bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bidirectional Relationship Between Hyperuricemia and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Yang Chengzhang , He Qianjin , Chen Ze , Qin Juan-Juan , Lei Fang , Liu Ye-Mao , Liu Weifang , Chen Ming-Ming , Sun Tao , Zhu Qian , Wu Yonglin , Zhuo Ming , Cai Jingjing , Mao Weiming , Li Hongliang
Published: February 2022

Background and aims

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a newly emerged term that is suggested to better reflect the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, the association between hyperuricemia and MAFLD has not been explored in the Chinese population. Meantime, this study also examined the temporal relationship between the two entities in a longitudinal cohort.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study including 1,587,962 individuals from 19 health check-up centers in China from 2009-2017 and a longitudinal study with 16,112 individuals. A logistic regression model was applied to determine the association between hyperuricemia and MAFLD in a cross-sectional study. The Cox regression model was used to explore the association between hyperuricemia at baseline and subsequent onset of MAFLD or the association between the presence of MAFLD at baseline and the subsequent incidence of hyperuricemia. The cross-lagged analysis was applied to exam the temporal relationship between hyperuricemia and MAFLD.

Results

In the cross-sectional study, hyperuricemia showed a strong positive association with MAFLD after controlled potential confounders. In the longitudinal cohorts, hyperuricemia at baseline was associated with the new-onset of MAFLD, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.765 (95% CI: 1.512, 2.060). Interestingly, baseline MAFLD was also associated with the subsequent incidence of hyperuricemia, with an HR of 1.245 (95% CI: 1.106, 1.400). The cross-lagged path analysis revealed a bidirectional relationship between hyperuricemia and MAFLD.

Conclusions

The results suggested that hyperuricemia and MAFLD form a vicious cycle, resulting in more deterioration of metabolic status.
The Design and Evaluation of Emergency Call Taking User Interfaces for Next Generation 9-1-1
Authors: Dash Punyashlok , Neustaedter Carman , Jones Brennan , Yip Carolyn
Published: February 2022

In the coming years, emergency calling services in North America will begin to incorporate new modalities for reporting emergencies, including video-based calling and picture sharing. The challenge is that we know little of how future call-taking systems should be designed to support emergency calls with rich multimedia and what benefits or challenges they might bring. We have conducted three studies, along with design work, as part of our research to address this problem. First, we conducted observations and contextual interviews within three emergency response call centers to investigate call taking practices and reactions to the incorporation of rich multimedia in emergency call taking practices. Following this, we created user interface design mock-ups and conducted two additional studies with call takers. One involved low-fidelity designs and one involved the use of a medium-fidelity digital prototype. Across the studies, our results show that 9-1-1 call takers will need a next generation interface that supports multimedia, including video calling, as part of calls. Yet user interfaces will need to be different from commercial video conferencing applications that are commonplace today. Design features for 9-1-1 systems must focus on supporting camera work and the capture of emergency scenes; situational awareness of incidents across call takers, including current and historical media associated with them; and, the regulation of media flow to balance privacy concerns and the viewing of potentially traumatic visuals.
Molecular Characteristics, Oncogenic Roles, and Relevant Immune and Pharmacogenomic Features of EVA1B in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ma Bin , Wang Kangchun , Liang Yu , Meng Qingkai , Li Yongmin
Published: February 2022

Objective

EVA1B, a protein coding gene, is a critical paralog of EVA1A gene. Herein, our study was conducted to investigate the role of EVA1B in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression and prognosis.

Methods

Pan-cancer analysis was conducted to analyze expression, genetic and epigenetic alterations, and immunological characteristics of EVA1B. Especially, immunological characteristics and mutational landscape were compared between high and low EVA1B expression groups in the combined TCGA-COAD and TCGA-READ datasets. Through random survival forest analysis, an EVA1B-derived genomic model was developed, and its prognostic value was verified in the external datasets (GSE14333, GSE39582, and GSE87211). Drug sensitivity was compared between high- and low-risk subpopulations. A nomogram was conducted through integrating independent factors.

Results

EVA1B expression presented a remarkable upregulation in most cancer types, especially CRC. EVA1B expression was significantly correlated to DNA methyltransferases, DNA mismatch repair genes, m6A regulators, TMB, and MSI across pan-cancer. High EVA1B expression indicated an undesirable CRC patients’ prognosis. Additionally, its upregulation was correlated to enhanced immune cell infiltration, increased stromal and immune activation, and elevated activities of cancer immunity cycle. Higher frequencies of amplification and deletion were investigated in high EVA1B expression subpopulation. Following verification, the EVA1B-derived genomic model reliably predicted patients’ prognosis and drug responses. The nomogram (age, stage, EVA1B-derived risk score) was conducted to quantify an individual’s survival probability. Furthermore, our experimental validation based on immunohistochemistry indicated that EVA1B overexpression is correlated with CRC tumorigenesis and poor outcomes in our CRC patients’ cohort.

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings provided valuable resource for guiding the mechanisms and therapeutic analysis of EVA1B in CRC.
Stock Assessment Using Length-Based Bayesian Evaluation Method for Three Small Pelagic Species in the Northwest Pacific Ocean
Authors: Shi Yongchuang , Zhang Xiaomin , He Yuru , Fan Wei , Tang Fenghua
Published: February 2022

Chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus), Pacific saury (Cololabis saira), and Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax) are key economic and ecological species in the Northwest Pacific Ocean (NPO). In recent years, there have been some interannual changes in their catches due to the increasing number of fishing vessels and climate change. With the establishment of the North Pacific Fisheries Commission (NPFC) to better manage these three species, it is particularly important to develop an accurate understanding of the stock status of those fisheries resources. According to the production statistics of Chub mackerel, Pacific saury, and Pacific sardine in the NPO, the length-based Bayesian evaluation (LBB) method was adopted to conduct a stock assessment on the three fisheries in this study. Research results show that the asymptotic length of Chub mackerel in the NPOLinfis 37.54 cm, with the parameter ratios ofLc/Lc_opt= 1.10,F/M= 0.57,B/B0= 0.65, andB/BMSY= 1.10. The asymptotic length of Pacific saury in the NPOLinfis 33.24 cm, with the ratios ofLc/Lc_opt= 1.10,F/M= 0.14,B/B0= 0.82, andB/BMSY= 2.10. While the asymptotic length of Pacific sardineLinfis 39.33 cm, with the ratios ofLc/Lc_opt= 1.20,F/M= 0.20,B/B0= 0.77, andB/BMSY= 2.20. At present, the three species in the NPO are in a healthy state and have not yet been overfished. Body length bin may affect the estimation of some parameters without compromising the estimation of stock status. Our study indicates that the LBB model serves as an efficient method to evaluate the fisheries resources in the NPO, especially when length frequencies are the only available data. Hopefully, the results in this study can provide technical support for the conservation and management of Chub mackerel, Pacific saury, and Pacific sardine in the NPO.
Extensive Use of Habitat-Damaging Fishing Gears Inside Habitat-Protecting Marine Protected Areas
Authors: Perry Allison L. , Blanco Jorge , García Silvia , Fournier Nicolas
Published: February 2022

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are critical for halting marine biodiversity loss and safeguarding ecosystems. However, efforts to designate additional areas as MPAs have generally taken precedence over ensuring that designated sites are effectively protected. Serious concerns exist about marine “paper parks” in Europe, particularly in relation to the threat of fishing. We focussed on 1,945 MPAs in EU and UK waters that are designated to protect habitats, and assessed the extent of fishing inside them with gears that are known to directly threaten those same habitats. Such “high-risk” fishing was widespread, occurring within 510 MPAs that represented 86% of the area assessed, and was more prevalent in larger, offshore sites. More intense high-risk fishing inside reef and sandbank MPAs was associated with the poorer conservation status of those habitats in countries’ waters. Our findings indicate that without systematic restrictions on damaging fishing gears, MPAs are unlikely to help reverse the ongoing declines of European marine habitats.
Flow Structure in an Artificial Seagrass Meadow in Combined Wave-Current Conditions
Authors: Schaefer Rachel B. , Nepf Heidi M.
Published: February 2022

Experiments were conducted in a laboratory flume using an artificial seagrass meadow, modeled after Zostera marina, to examine the impact of waves on the vertical structure of time-averaged current, Reynolds stress, and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) under combined wave-current conditions. With the addition of smaller waves, defined by a ratio of wave velocity to current velocity Uw/Uc < 2.5, the time-averaged velocity peaked above the meadow, which was similar to pure current conditions. When Uw/Uc > 2.5, the presence of waves caused the time-averaged velocity to peak near the top of the meadow. For Uw/Uc > 1 the presence of waves reduced the magnitude of peak Reynolds stress. For all conditions considered, the wake production of turbulence dominated the shear production of turbulence in the meadow. However, the wave velocity was less efficient than the current velocity in generating TKE in the meadow because the movement of the blades forced by the oscillatory fluid motion reduced the relative velocity between the blades and the wave. A modified hybrid model for wake production of TKE in a flexible canopy under combined wave-current conditions was proposed to account for the relative contributions of waves and currents. Wake production of TKE was dominated by waves when Uw/Uc > 1 and dominated by currents when Uw/Uc < 1. The models and observations proposed in this study contribute to an enhanced understanding of the relative influences of waves and currents on seagrass meadow flow structure in realistic combined wave-current conditions.
Factors Associated With Undergraduate Nursing Students' Academic and Clinical Performance: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Fooladi Ensieh , Karim Md Nazmul , Vance Sheila , Walker Lorraine , Zanjani Maya Ebrahimi , Ilic Dragan , Brand Gabrielle
Published: February 2022

Background

There is conflicting and limited information regarding factors that influence undergraduate nursing students' academic and clinical performance prior to entry to practice.

Objective

To identify factors influencing the academic and clinical performance of undergraduate nursing students throughout the course.

Design

Mixed methods study utilizing a retrospective cohort and a qualitative study.

Setting

Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.

Participants

Longitudinal existing data of nursing undergraduate students who commenced in 2017 (n = 176) and 2018 (n = 76), and two focus groups with final year nursing students were analyzed.

Methods

Retrospective students' records were used to determine the students' academic and clinical performance using the weighted average mark (WAM) of the theoretical and clinical components of the curriculum, separately. The WAM considered the year level of each unit and was scored out of 100. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine predictor factors of academic and clinical performance. Variables include entry cohort (with no previous nursing qualification vs. diploma of nursing), admission category (domestic vs. international), campus (metropolitan vs. outer metropolitan), and secondary school (year 12) results. Two focus group discussions were conducted and thematically analyzed.

Results

More than two-thirds of the students were aged 18–20 years and mainly female. Almost 20% of the participants were international students. Students with higher secondary school (year 12) results and studying at the outer metropolitan campus achieved a higher academic performance while international students had significantly lower academic performance compared to domestic students. Students with a previous diploma of enrolled nursing and international students had lower clinical performance. Students identified that a comprehensive orientation, interactive curriculum, formal and informal support structure, and educator qualities influenced their academic and/or clinical performance.

Conclusions

A supportive educational environment with an interactive curriculum may enhance students' academic and clinical performance and readiness for practice. Furthermore, targeted interventions for international students, those with lower secondary school (year 12) results, and those with a former diploma of nursing may be required to increase academic and clinical performance.
Forecasting Healthy Life Expectancy Among Chilean Community-Dwelling Older Adults With and Without Sarcopenia
Authors: Moreno Ximena , Lera Lydia , Márquez Carlos , Albala Cecilia
Published: February 2022

Background

Sarcopenia is an important risk factor for disability and dependency at old age. The prevalence of sarcopenia among the Chilean older population is high.

Objective

To estimate life expectancy, healthy life expectancy and unhealthy life expectancy among sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults from Santiago, Chile.

Methods

A sample of 1,897 community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years or more, living in Santiago, was observed between 5–15 years. Disability was defined as the unhealthy state, assessed through self-reported difficulties in activities of daily living. Sarcopenia was determined via HTSMayor software. Total and marginal life expectancies were estimated using the Interpolated Markov Chain method “IMaCh”.

Results

At 60 years, estimated life expectancy for sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults was similar (22.7 and 22.5 years, respectively). The proportion of years to be lived with disability was three times greater in sarcopenic adults, compared to non-sarcopenic people. This difference was observed up to 80 years. Non-sarcopenic women had a higher proportion of years to be lived with disabilities compared to non-sarcopenic men of the same age, but this proportion was higher among sarcopenic men, compared to sarcopenic women until 70 years of age.

Discussion

People with sarcopenia expect to live a higher proportion of years with disabilities. Sarcopenic men until 70 years expected to live a higher proportion of years with disability, compared to sarcopenic women. Monitoring sarcopenia among older people may help to identify individuals with higher risk of disability onset. Future research should focus on disentangling the mechanisms explaining sex differences.
A Game Theoretic Analysis of the Dual Function of Antibiotics
Authors: Hashem Ihab , Van Impe Jan F.M.
Published: February 2022

There are two major views toward the role of antibiotics in microbial social interactions. The classical view is that antibiotics serve as weapons, produced by a bacterial species, at a significant cost, to inhibit the growth of its competitors. This view is supported by observations that antibiotics are usually upregulated by stress responses that infer the intensity of ecological competition, such as nutrient limitation and cellular damage, which point out to a competitive role for antibiotics. The other ecological function frequently assigned to antibiotics is that they serve as signaling molecules which regulate the collective behavior of a microbial community. Here, we investigate the conditions at which a weapon can serve as a signal in the context of microbial competition. We propose that an antibiotic will serve as a signal whenever a potential alteration of the growth behavior of the signal receiver, in response to a subinhibitory concentration (SIC) of the antibiotic, reduces the competitive pressure on the signal producer. This in turn would lead to avoiding triggering the stress mechanisms of the signal producer responsible for further antibiotics production. We show using individual-based modeling that this reduction of competitive pressure on the signal producer can happen through two main classes of responses by the signal recipient: competition tolerance, where the recipient reduces its competitive impact on the signal producer by switching to a low growth rate/ high yield strategy, and niche segregation, where the recipient reduces the competitive pressure on the signal producer by reducing their niche overlap. Our hypothesis proposes that antibiotics serve as signals out of their original function as weapons in order to reduce the chances of engaging in fights that would be costly to both the antibiotic producer as well as to its competitors.
Exposure of α-Synuclein Aggregates to Organotypic Slice Cultures Recapitulates Key Molecular Features of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Moudio Serge , Rodin Fredrik , Albargothy Nazira Jamal , Karlsson Urban , Reyes Juan F. , Hallbeck Martin
Published: February 2022

The accumulation of proteinaceous deposits comprised largely of the α-synuclein protein is one of the main hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD) and related synucleinopathies. Their progressive development coincides with site-specific phosphorylation, oxidative stress and eventually, compromised neuronal function. However, modeling protein aggregate formation in animal or in vitro models has proven notably difficult. Here, we took advantage of a preclinical organotypic brain slice culture model to study α-synuclein aggregate formation ex vivo. We monitored the progressive and gradual changes induced by α-synuclein such as cellular toxicity, autophagy activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular death as well as α-synuclein modification including site-specific phosphorylation. Our results demonstrate that organotypic brain slice cultures can be cultured for long periods of time and when cultured in the presence of aggregated α-synuclein, the molecular features of PD are recapitulated. Taken together, this ex vivo model allows for detailed modeling of the molecular features of PD, thus enabling studies on the cumulative effects of α-synuclein in a complex environment. This provides a platform to screen potential disease-modifying therapeutic candidates aimed at impeding α-synuclein aggregation and/or cellular transmission. Moreover, this model provides a robust replacement for in vivo studies that do not include behavioral experiments, thus providing a way to reduce the number of animals used in an accelerated timescale.
The Slowest Shared Resonance: A Review of Electromagnetic Field Oscillations Between Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems
Authors: Young Asa , Hunt Tam , Ericson Marissa
Published: February 2022

Electromagnetic field oscillations produced by the brain are increasingly being viewed as causal drivers of consciousness. Recent research has highlighted the importance of the body’s various endogenous rhythms in organizing these brain-generated fields through various types of entrainment. We expand this approach by examining evidence of extracerebral shared oscillations between the brain and other parts of the body, in both humans and animals. We then examine the degree to which these data support one of General Resonance Theory’s (GRT) principles: the Slowest Shared Resonance (SSR) principle, which states that the combination of micro- to macro-consciousness in coupled field systems is a function of the slowest common denominator frequency or resonance. This principle may be utilized to develop a spatiotemporal hierarchy of brain-body shared resonance systems. It is predicted that a system’s SSR decreases with distance between the brain and various resonating structures in the body. The various resonance relationships examined, including between the brain and gastric neurons, brain and sensory organs, and brain and spinal cord, generally match the predicted SSR relationships, empirically supporting this principle of GRT.
Therapeutic Role of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease: Electroencephalography Microstate Correlates
Authors: Hanoglu Lutfu , Toplutas Eren , Saricaoglu Mevhibe , Velioglu Halil Aziz , Yildiz Sultan , Yulug Burak
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The microstate analysis is a method to convert the electrical potentials on the multi-channel electrode array to topographical electroencephalography (EEG) data. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive method that can modulate brain networks. This study explores the pathophysiological changes through microstate analysis in two different neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), characterized by motor and cognitive symptoms and analysis the effect of rTMS on the impaired cognitive and motor functions.

Materials and Methods

We included 18 AD, 8 PD patients, and 13 age-matched controls. For both groups, we applied 5 Hz rTMS on the left pre-SMA in PD patients while 20 Hz rTMS on the left lateral parietal region in AD patients. Each patient was re-evaluated 1 week after the end of the sessions, which included a detailed clinical evaluation and measurement of EEG microstates.

Results

At the baseline, the common findings between our AD and PD patients were altered microstate (MS) B, MS D durations and transition frequencies between MS A–MS B, MS C–MS D while global explained variance (GEV) ratio and the extent and frequency of occurrence of MS A, MS B, and MS D were separately altered in AD patients. Although no specific microstate parameter adequately differentiated between AD and PD patients, we observed significant changes in MS B and MS D parameters in PD patients. Further, we observed that Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) performances were associated with the transition frequencies between MS A–MS B and MS C–MS D and GEV ratio. After left parietal rTMS application, we have observed significantly increased visual memory recognition and clock drawing scores after left parietal rTMS application associated with improved microstate conditions prominent, especially in the mean duration of MS C in AD patients. Also, pre-SMA rTMS resulted in significant improvement in motor scores and frequency of transitions from MS D to MS C in PD patients.

Conclusion

This study shows that PD and AD can cause different and similar microstate changes that can be modulated through rTMS, suggesting the role of MS parameters and rTMS as a possible combination in monitoring the treatment effect in neurodegenerative diseases.
Clean Label “Rocha” Pear (Pyrus communis L.) Snack Containing Juice By-Products and Euglena gracilis Microalgae
Authors: Lomba-Viana Xavier , Raymundo Anabela , Prista Catarina , Alegria Maria João , Sousa Isabel
Published: February 2022

“Rocha do Oeste” pear is a Portuguese Protected Designation of Origin variety and one of the country's most relevant fruits for its nutritional value, production area, and exportation amounts. The recent integration of a pilot-scale juice production line brought to SUMOL+COMPAL company the need to characterize the new resulting fractions and value the new by-products. The objective of this work was to value the juice clarification by-products, producing a clean label and fiber-rich snack, in a circular economy rationale, where the secondary products are upcycled back into the food value chain, by creating another food product that includes those by-products. For the above to be possible, the laboratory conditions to produce pear fractions were optimized. After optimizing the puree centrifugation, using response surface methodology (RSM), and optimizing the turbid juice crossflow filtration, the different fractions were characterized in rheological, nutritional, and physical aspects. Comparison to the pulps revealed an increase in the viscosity of the pomace; an enriching effect on the fructose, glucose, and dietary fiber levels in the pomace, and maintenance of the vitamin C levels after centrifugation; and with no effect on the contents of total phenols during the filtration step. A thick pear snack was developed, incorporating retained fraction, inulin, and Euglena gracilis in the pomace, and optimized regarding its firmness and dietary fiber content. The snack characterization revealed an interesting total phenols content (which was maintained from the raw materials). Compared to the snack without microalgae and a commercial fruit snack, the pear snack with E. gracilis was well-accepted by the sensory panel, mainly in texture and appearance, and can be further improved in aroma and flavor. The snack without microalgae was the favorite among the three samples, in most sensory parameters, and never got the answer “I'm sure I wouldn't buy it.” Therefore, an innovative, clean label and plant-based snack was developed, in a circular economy rationale, which was relatively well-appreciated by the panel. This snack is rich in dietary fiber, having the possibility of presenting various nutritional claims, and the potential for easy sensory optimization.
Evaluation of Ultrasound Elastography Combined With Chi-Square Automatic Interactive Detector in Reducing Unnecessary Fine-Needle Aspiration on TIRADS 4 Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Liu Xiao , Xie Li , Ye Xianjun , Cui Yayun , He Nianan , Hu Lei
Published: February 2022

Background

Conventional ultrasound diagnosis of thyroid nodules (TNs) had a high false-positive rate, resulting in many unnecessary fine-needle aspirations (FNAs).

Objective

This study aimed to establish a simple algorithm to reduce unnecessary FNA on TIRADS 4 TNs using different quantitative parameters of ultrasonic elasticity and chi-square automatic interactive detector (CHAID) method.

Methods

From January 2020 to May 2021, 432 TNs were included in the study, which were confirmed by FNA or surgical pathology. Each TN was examined using conventional ultrasound, sound touch elastography, and Shell measurement function. The quantitative parameters E and Eshell were recorded, and the Eshell/E values were calculated for each TN. The diagnostic performance of the quantitative parameters was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curves. The CHAID was used to classify and analyze the quantitative parameters, and the prediction model was established.

Results

A total of 226 TNs were malignant and 206 were benign. Eshell and Eshell/E ratio were included in the classification algorithm, which showed a depth of two ramifications (Eshell/E ≤ 0.988 or 0.988–1.043 or >1.043; if Eshell/E ≤ 0.988, then Eshell ≤ 64.0 or 64.0–74.0 or >74.0; if Eshell/E = 0.988–1.043, then Eshell ≤ 66.0 or > 66.0; if Eshell/E >1.043, then Eshell ≤ 69.0 or >69.0). The unnecessary FNAs could have been avoided in 57.3% of the cases using this algorithm.

Conclusion

The prediction model using quantitative parameters had high diagnostic performance; it could quickly distinguish benign lesions and avoid subjective influence to some extent.
Circulating Tumor Cell Identification Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Guo Zhifeng , Lin Xiaoxi , Hui Yan , Wang Jingchun , Zhang Qiuli , Kong Fanlong
Published: February 2022

As a major reason for tumor metastasis, circulating tumor cell (CTC) is one of the critical biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. On the one hand, CTC count is closely related to the prognosis of tumor patients; on the other hand, as a simple blood test with the advantages of safety, low cost and repeatability, CTC test has an important reference value in determining clinical results and studying the mechanism of drug resistance. However, the determination of CTC usually requires a big effort from pathologist and is also error-prone due to inexperience and fatigue. In this study, we developed a novel convolutional neural network (CNN) method to automatically detect CTCs in patients’ peripheral blood based on immunofluorescence in situ hybridization (imFISH) images. We collected the peripheral blood of 776 patients from Chifeng Municipal Hospital in China, and then used Cyttel to delete leukocytes and enrich CTCs. CTCs were identified by imFISH with CD45+, DAPI+ immunofluorescence staining and chromosome 8 centromeric probe (CEP8+). The sensitivity and specificity based on traditional CNN prediction were 95.3% and 91.7% respectively, and the sensitivity and specificity based on transfer learning were 97.2% and 94.0% respectively. The traditional CNN model and transfer learning method introduced in this paper can detect CTCs with high sensitivity, which has a certain clinical reference value for judging prognosis and diagnosing metastasis.
Gynecologic Cancer, Cancer Stem Cells, and Possible Targeted Therapies
Authors: Keyvani Vahideh , Riahi Espanta , Yousefi Meysam , Esmaeili Seyed-Alireza , Shafabakhsh Rana , Moradi Hasan-Abad Amin , Mahjoubin-Tehran Maryam , Hamblin Michael R. , Mollazadeh Samaneh , Mirzaei Hamed
Published: February 2022

Gynecologic cancer is one of the main causes of death in women. In this type of cancer, several molecules (oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes) contribute to the tumorigenic process, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. Based on recent evidence, the detection of molecular changes in these genes could have clinical importance for the early detection and evaluation of tumor grade, as well as the selection of targeted treatment. Researchers have recently focused on cancer stem cells (CSCs) in the treatment of gynecologic cancer because of their ability to induce progression and recurrence of malignancy. This has highlighted the importance of a better understanding of the molecular basis of CSCs. The purpose of this review is to focus on the molecular mechanism of gynecologic cancer and the role of CSCs to discover more specific therapeutic approaches to gynecologic cancer treatment.
From Thermodynamics to Information: Landauer’s Limit and Negentropy Principle Applied to Magnetic Skyrmions
Authors: Zivieri Roberto
Published: February 2022

Magnetic skyrmions are topological swirling spin textures objects that can be manipulated and employed as information carriers. This is accomplished based either on their ground-state properties or their thermodynamic properties. Landauer’s principle establishes an irreversible conversion from information to physics. The inverse mechanism, the inverse mechanism is proposed for magnetic topological defects forming in magnetic nanostructures that are regarded as closed thermodynamic systems confirming Szilard’s and Brillouin’s hypotheses. This mechanism consists of the creation of bits of information using a thermodynamic source having a form of negentropy. In this perspective article, the following are proved for magnetic skyrmions: 1) Landauer’s principle expressed in terms of negentropy and 2) the generalized second principle of thermodynamics based on Brillouin’s negentropy principle of information. The thermodynamic entropy is converted into information entropy at the expense of negentropy, “negative entropy” corresponding to the loss of thermodynamic entropy from the magnetic skyrmion itself. A recently proposed practical device enables the verification of points 1) and 2) and allows a full understanding of the interchange between thermodynamics and information and vice versa regarding skyrmions as information units and showing, in perspective, the considerable advantages offered by this type of storing and coding information.
Evolution and Taxonomic Significance of Seed Micromorphology in Impatiens (Balsaminaceae)
Authors: Song Yong-Xiu , Peng Shuai , Mutie Fredrick Munyao , Jiang Hui , Ren Jing , Cong Yi-Yan , Hu Guang-Wan
Published: February 2022

Impatiens is one of the most species-rich genera of angiosperms, with more than 1,000 species distributed in Eurasia and Africa. Previous studies have shown that seeds of Impatiens display enormous morphological diversity, and seed micromorphology may contribute to the classification of those species. However, the micromorphological seed coat characteristics of Impatiens seeds have not been systematically studied. In this study, we examined 117 Impatiens seeds from two subgenera and seven sections, and analyzed the seed characters of shape, primary ornamentation, secondary ornamentation, anticlinal cell wall, and periclinal cell wall. We discovered that, according to the different shapes of ornamentation, seed coat can be divided into three types, viz, reticulate type, protrusive type, appendicular type, and that they can be further subdivided into 10 subtypes. In addition, the characteristics of seed coat ornamentation with taxonomic significance in this genus are discussed. We reconstructed the ancestral states of the above seed characters of the Impatiens using the maximum likelihood approach based on the reconstructed phylogenetic framework. The seed character reconstruction showed that the seed shape, primary ornamentation, and anticlinal cell wall could be identified as unambiguous, while other characters were ambiguous in the last common ancestor of Impatiens. Reconstruction of important seed morphological characters showed that the secondary ornamentation possesses high plasticity, and the primary ornamentation has high homology. In addition, we inferred the evolutionary trends of seed ornamentation and found that the seed coat ornamentation of Impatiens experienced a complex evolutionary process from a reticulate type into more complex types. We also discussed the relationship between seed coat diversity vs. environmental adaptation and seed dispersal in Impatiens.
Exploration on Scientific Research Data-Targeted Intelligent Recommendation System Using Machine Learning Under the Background of Sustainable Development
Authors: Wang Ruoqi , Zhang Shaozhong , Qi Lin , Huang Jingfeng
Published: February 2022

The purpose is to provide researchers with reliable Scientific Research Data (SRD) from the massive amounts of research data to establish a sustainable Scientific Research (SR) environment. Specifically, the present work proposes establishing an Intelligent Recommendation System (IRS) based on Machine Learning (ML) algorithm and SRD. Firstly, the IRS is established over ML technology. Then, based on user Psychology and Collaborative Filtering (CF) recommendation algorithm, a hybrid algorithm [namely, Content-Based Recommendation-Collaborative Filtering (CBR-CF)] is established to improve the utilization efficiency of SRD and Sustainable Development (SD) of SR. Consequently, the present work designs literature and SRD-targeted IRS using the hybrid recommendation under the background of SD. The proposed system’s feasibility is analyzed through experiments. Additionally, the system performance is analyzed and verified from accuracy, diversity, coverage, novelty, and recommendation efficiency. The results show that the hybrid algorithm can make up for the shortcomings of a single algorithm and improve the recommendation efficiency. Experiments show that the accuracy of the proposed CBR-CF algorithm is the highest. In particular, the recommendation accuracy for the single-user system can reach 82–93%, and the recall of all recommended algorithms falls between 60 and 91%. The recall of the hybrid algorithm is higher than that of a single algorithm, and the highest recall is 91%. Meanwhile, the hybrid algorithm has comprehensive coverage, good applicability, and diversity. Therefore, SD-oriented SRD-targeted IRS is of great significance to improve the SRD utilization and the accuracy of IRS, and expand the achievement value of SR. The research content provides a reference for establishing a sustainable SR environment and improving SR efficiency.
The Effect of International Travel Arrivals on the New HIV Infections in 15–49 Years Aged Group Among 109 Countries or Territories From 2000 to 2018
Authors: Du Min , Yuan Jie , Jing Wenzhan , Liu Min , Liu Jue
Published: February 2022

Objective

The prevalent international travel may have an impact on new HIV infections, but related studies were lacking. We aimed to explore the association between international travel arrivals and new HIV infections in 15–49 years aged group from 2000 to 2018, to make tailored implications for HIV prevention.

Methods

We obtained the data of new HIV infections from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and international travel arrivals from the World Bank. Correlation analysis was used to explore the relation briefly. Log-linear models were built to analyze the association between international travel arrivals and new HIV infections.

Results

International travel arrivals were positively correlated with new HIV infections (correlation coefficients: 0.916, p < 0.001). After controlling population density, the median age of the total population (years), socio-demographic index (SDI), travel-related mandatory HIV testing, HIV-related restrictions, and antiretroviral therapy coverage, there were 6.61% (95% CI: 5.73, 7.50; p < 0.001) percentage changes in new HIV infections of 15–49 years aged group associated with a 1 million increase in international travel arrivals.

Conclusions

Higher international travel arrivals were correlated with new HIV infections in 15–49 years aged group. Therefore, multipronged structural and effective strategies and management should be implemented and strengthened.
Is Adolescent Risk Behavior Associated With Cross-Household Family Complexity? An Analysis of Post-separation Families in 42 Countries
Authors: Schnettler Sebastian , Steinbach Anja
Published: February 2022

We examine whether complex cross-household structures of post-separation families are associated with higher risk-taking behavior in adolescence (substance use, bullying, early sexual onset) and whether the proportion, and thus statistical normality, of complex family types in a certain country is a potential moderator of this association. Drawing on representative data from 42 countries and regions from the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study in 2001, 2006, and 2010 (N= 506,977), we provide detailed analyses on adolescent risk behavior even for very rare family types, thereby accounting for the complex cross-household structure present in many post-separation families. We combine logistic and count regression models to analyze risk incidence and intensity. Controlling for relevant child and family characteristics, our results reveal a gradient along which adolescent risk-taking increases with family complexity: The incidence and intensity of risk-taking among adolescents is lowest in two-biological-parent and highest in two-household families with stepparents in both households. The association decreases with a higher proportion of the respective family type in a country. However, the differences between family types, other than the two-biological parent family, are not as pronounced as expected.
Genome-Wide Methylation Profiling in the Thalamus of Scrapie Sheep
Authors: Hernaiz Adelaida , Sanz Arianne , Sentre Sara , Ranera Beatriz , Lopez-Pérez Oscar , Zaragoza Pilar , Badiola Juan J. , Filali Hicham , Bolea Rosa , Toivonen Janne M. , Martín-Burriel Inmaculada
Published: February 2022

Scrapie is a neurodegenerative disorder belonging to the group of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE). Scrapie occurs in sheep and goats, which are considered good natural animal models of these TSE. Changes in DNA methylation occur in the central nervous system (CNS) of patients suffering from prion-like neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. Nevertheless, potential DNA methylation alterations have not yet been investigated in the CNS of any prion disease model or naturally infected cases, neither in humans nor in animals. Genome-wide DNA methylation patterns were studied in the thalamus obtained from sheep naturally infected with scrapie at a clinical stage (n = 4) and from controls (n = 4) by performing a whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) analysis. Ewes carried the scrapie-susceptible ARQ/ARQ PRNP genotype and were sacrificed at a similar age (4–6 years). Although the average genomic methylation levels were similar between the control and the scrapie animals, we identified 8,907 significant differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and 39 promoters (DMPs). Gene Ontology analysis revealed that hypomethylated DMRs were enriched in genes involved in transmembrane transport and cell adhesion, whereas hypermethylated DMRs were related to intracellular signal transduction genes. Moreover, genes highly expressed in specific types of CNS cells and those previously described to be differentially expressed in scrapie brains contained DMRs. Finally, a quantitative PCR (qPCR) validation indicated differences in the expression of five genes (PCDH19, SNCG, WDR45B, PEX1, and CABIN1) that matched the methylation changes observed in the genomic study. Altogether, these results suggest a potential regulatory role of DNA methylation in prion neuropathology.
Diagnostic Stewardship as a Team Sport: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Improved Implementation of Interventions and Effect Measurement
Authors: Hueth Kyle D. , Prinzi Andrea M. , Timbrook Tristan T.
Published: February 2022

Diagnostic stewardship aims to deliver the right test to the right patient at the right time and is optimally combined with antimicrobial stewardship to allow for the right interpretation to translate into the right antimicrobial at the right time. Laboratorians, physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers have an opportunity to improve the effectiveness of diagnostics through collaborative activities around pre-analytical and post-analytical periods of diagnostic testing. Additionally, special considerations should be given to measuring the effectiveness of diagnostics over time. Herein, we perform a narrative review of the literature on these potential optimization opportunities and the temporal factors that can yield changes in diagnostic effectiveness. Our objective is to inform on these considerations to ensure enhanced value through improved implementation and measurement of effectiveness for local stakeholder metrics and/or clinical outcomes research.
Geographic and Socioeconomic Influence on Knowledge and Practices Related to Antimicrobial Resistance among Smallholder Pig Farmers in Uganda
Authors: Nohrborg Sandra , Dione Michel Mainack , Winfred Amia Christine , Okello Louis , Wieland Barbara , Magnusson Ulf
Published: February 2022

To mitigate the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antibiotic use (ABU) in the livestock sector needs to be reduced. In low- and middle-income countries, regulations have shown to be less successful in reducing ABU. Here, a bottom-up approach can complement legal frameworks, which requires an understanding of the drivers for ABU. In this study, we investigated the influence of geographic and socioeconomic settings on determinants for ABU among pig farmers in Uganda. The data were collected through a questionnaire in two districts, Lira and Mukono, and comparative statistical analyses were performed. Farmers in Lira had less access to animal health services, applied disease prevention measures less and used antibiotics more. In Mukono, it was more common to consult a veterinarian in response to disease, while in Lira it was more common to consult an animal health worker. There was no difference in how many farmers followed treatment instructions from a veterinarian, but it was more common in Lira to follow instructions from pharmacies. The findings support the need for locally tailored AMR-reducing interventions to complement regulations. To accomplish this tailoring, systematic collection of knowledge of farm structures, farm practices and access to animal health services and veterinary drugs is necessary.
The Beneficial Effect of Carvacrol in HL-1 Cardiomyocytes Treated with LPS-G: Anti-Inflammatory Pathway Investigations
Authors: Marconi Guya Diletta , Della Rocca Ylenia , Fonticoli Luigia , Guarnieri Simone , Carradori Simone , Rajan Thangavelu Soundara , Pizzicannella Jacopo , Diomede Francesca
Published: February 2022

Carvacrol (CAR), a natural phenolic monoterpene, possesses different biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The current study aimed to evaluate the response of HL-1 cardiomyocytes to an inflammatory stimulus triggered by lipopolysaccharide from Porphyromonas gingivalis (LPS-G), alone or in co-treatment with CAR, to investigate the potential protective role of CAR in the inflammatory process through modulation of the TLR4/NFκB/NALP3/IL-1β pathway and ROS production. In an in vitro experiment, HL-1 cardiomyocytes were exposed to LPS-G and incubated with CAR. We evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of CAR by the reduction in TLR4, NFκB, NALP3, and IL-1β expression using immunofluorescence staining. Western blot analysis also validated the modulation of the TLR4/NFκB/NALP3/IL-1β pathway. ROS analyses confirmed the protective effects of CAR. Our results suggest that CAR could provide a significant protection role against inflammatory stimulus generated by LPS-G, involving the suppression of the TLR4/NFκB/NALP3/IL-1β signaling pathway.
Differential Response of Phenol Metabolism Associated with Antioxidative Network in Elicited Grapevine Suspension Cultured Cells under Saline Conditions
Authors: Almagro Lorena , Calderón Antonio A. , Pedreño María A. , Ferrer María A.
Published: February 2022

Highly productive trans-resveratrol (t-R) grapevine suspension cultured cells (SCC) and two effective elicitors, methyl jasmonate (MJ) and randomly methylated β-cyclodextrins (CDs), were used to analyze the extent to which salt treatments alter the production of bioactive phenolic compounds. The expression/activity profile of the enzymes involved in phenol metabolism and antioxidant networks were also studied. A marked extracellular accumulation of phenolic compounds, especially t-R, was found in SCC elicited with CDs and/or MJ under saline conditions. However, the treatments with MJ alone and all those combined with salt favored the intracellular accumulation of catechin and ferulic acid. The salt-induced accumulation of phenolics was correlated with the higher total antioxidant capacity values found in cells, suggesting that cellular redox homeostasis under saline conditions was largely maintained by increasing phenolic compound production. These higher levels of phenolics found in elicited cells under saline conditions fit well with the highest activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. Moreover, antioxidant enzyme activities were boosted in treatments with MJ and/or in those combined with salt and decreased in those treated with CDs. These results suggest a differential response of the antioxidative network to the presence of elicitors under saline conditions.