bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
River temperature analysis with a new way of using Independant Component Analysis
Authors: Moulin Nelly , Gresselin Frederic , Dardaillon Bruno , Thomas Zahra
Published: December 2022

In the context of global warming, river management is essential to maintain favourable water temperature ranges for aquatic species. Therefore, understanding the main factors influencing the water temperature becomes a key part in the management process. In this paper, we used Independent Component Analysis (ICA) to identify these main factors and improve water temperature forecasting. The study is caried out on two rivers in Normandy (France) with quite different characteristics. Each river was equipped with several temperature sensors which series range from 2011 to 2021. The ICA analysis of the data series reveals that the thermal regime of these two rivers is mainly controlled by seasonal and daily climatic factors. The Sélune regime also turns out to be influenced by the presence of a dam, dismantled during the monitoring of the river. The temperature of the Odon appears to be clearly controlled by seasonal lightening conditions in connection with the presence of the riparian vegetation. Complementary, an innovative approach called “successive ICA” is used to reconstruct the natural thermal regime of the Sélune without the presence of the dam. Emphasis is therefore placed here on the interest of ICA in hydrology as en elementary method for extracting the main influencing factors and quantifying their importance on the thermal regime of a river. It also allows to remove the influence of a particular factor and reconstruct time series better suited for temperature forecasting. The method used here is not specific to temperature time series and can be applied to any region even with different hydrological characteristics.
A narrative review of diabetic bone disease: Characteristics, pathogenesis, and treatment
Authors: Wu Bo , Fu Zhaoyu , Wang Xinyu , Zhou Pengcheng , Yang Qifan , Jiang Ye , Zhu Dong
Published: December 2022

Recently, the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus has made it a major chronic illness which poses a substantial threat to human health. The prevalence of osteoporosis among patients with diabetes mellitus has grown considerably. Diabetic bone disease is a secondary osteoporosis induced by diabetes mellitus. Patients with diabetic bone disease exhibit variable degrees of bone loss, low bone mineral density, bone microarchitecture degradation, and increased bone fragility with continued diabetes mellitus, increasing their risk of fracture and impairing their ability to heal after fractures. At present, there is extensive research interest in diabetic bone disease and many significant outcomes have been reported. However, there are no comprehensive review is reported. This review elaborates on diabetic bone disease in the aspects of characteristics, pathogenesis, and treatment.
The relationship of the clinicopathological characteristics and treatment results of post-Chornobyl papillary thyroid microcarcinomas with the latency period and radiation exposure
Authors: Bogdanova Tetiana , Chernyshov Serhii , Zurnadzhy Liudmyla , Rogounovitch Tatiana I. , Mitsutake Norisato , Tronko Mykola , Ito Masahiro , Bolgov Michael , Masiuk Sergii , Yamashita Shunichi , Saenko Vladimir A.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

A worldwide increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer during the last decades is largely due to papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (MPTCs), which are mostly low-risk tumors. In view of recent clinical recommendations to reduce the extent of surgery for low-risk thyroid cancer, and persisting uncertainty about the impact of radiation history, we set out to address whether clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of post-Chornobyl MPTCs were changing with regard to: i) the latency period, ii) probability of causation (POC) of a tumor due to radiation, and iii) tumor size.

Methods

Patients (n = 465) aged up to 50 years at diagnosis who lived in April, 1986 in six northern, most radiocontaminated regions of Ukraine were studied.

Results

Latency period was statistically significantly associated with the reduction of POC level, tumor size and the frequency of fully encapsulated MPTCs. In contrast, the frequency of oncocytic changes and the BRAFV600E mutation increased. Invasive properties and clinical follow-up results did not depend on latency except for a lower frequency of complete remission after postsurgical radioiodine therapy. The POC level was associated with more frequent extrathyroidal extension, and lymphatic/vascular invasion, less frequent oncocytic changes and BRAFV600E, and did not associate with any clinical indicator. Tumor size was negatively associated with the latency period and BRAFV600E, and had a statistically significant effect on invasive properties of MPTCs: both the integrative invasiveness score and its components such as lymphatic/vascular invasion, extrathyroidal extension and lymph node metastases increased. The frequency of total thyroidectomy, neck lymph node dissection and radioiodine therapy also increased with the larger tumor size. The duration of the latency period, POC level or tumor size did not associate with the chance of disease recurrence.

Discussion

In summary, we did not observe overall worsening of the clinicopathological features or treatment results of radiogenic MPTCs that could be associated with the latency period or POC level, suggesting that radiation history did not strongly affect those in the analyzed MPTC patients. However, the increase in the invasive properties with tumor size indicates the need for individual risk stratification for each MPTC patient, regardless of radiation history, for treatment decision-making.
Renewable energy strategy analysis in relation to environmental pollution for BRICS, G7, and EU countries by using a machine learning framework and panel data analysis
Authors: Cristea Dragos Sebastian , Zamfir Cristina Gabriela , Simionov Ira Adeline , Fortea Costinela , Ionescu Romeo Victor , Zlati Monica Laura , Antohi Valentin Marian , Munteanu Dan , Petrea S. M.
Published: December 2022

The present research uses machine learning, panel data and time series prediction and forecasting techniques to establish a framework between a series of renewable energy and environmental pollution parameters, considering data for BRICS, G7, and EU countries, which can serve as a tool for optimizing the policy strategy in the sustainable energy production sector. The results indicates that XGBoost model for predicting the renewable energy production capacity reveals the highest feature importance among independent variables is associated with the gas consumption parameter in the case of G7, oil consumption for EU block and GHG emissions for BRICS, respectively. Furthermore, the generalized additive model (GAM) predictions for the EU block reveal the scenario of relatively constant renewable energy capacity if gas consumption increases, while oil consumption increases determine an increase in renewable energy capacity until a kick point, followed by a decrease. The GAM models for G7 revealed the scenario of an upward trend of renewable energy production capacity, as gas consumption increases and renewable energy production capacity decreases while oil consumption increases. In the case of the BRICS geopolitical block, the prediction scenario reveals that, in time, an increase in gas consumption generates an increase in renewable energy production capacity. The PCA emphasizes that renewable energy production capacity and GHG, respectively CO2 emissions, are highly correlated and are integrated into the first component, which explains more than 60% of the variance. The resulting models represent a good prediction capacity and reveal specific peculiarities for each analyzed geopolitical block. The prediction models conclude that the EU economic growth scenario is based on fossil fuel energy sources during the first development stage, followed by a shift to renewable energy sources once it reaches a kick point, during the second development stage. The decrease in renewable energy production capacity when oil consumption increases indicates that fossil fuels are in trend within the G7 economy. In the case of BRICS, it is assumed that gas consumption appears because of increasing the industrial capacity, followed by the increase of economic sustainability, respectively. In addition, the generalized additive models emphasize evolution scenarios with different peculiarities, specific for each analyzed geopolitical block.
Do environmental quality, financial inclusion, and good governance ensure the FDI sustainably in Belt and Road countries? Evidence from an application of CS-ARDL and NARDL
Authors: JinRu Long , Qamruzzaman Md. , Hangyu Wu , Kler Rajnish
Published: December 2022

Domestic capital adequacy and sustainable economic growth are heavily reliant on technological advancement, managerial know-how, and money supply in the economy. In this context, FDI has emerged and is placed at an apex position due to its unprecedented impact on achieving sustainability across the world. The motivation of this study is to scale the effects of good governance, financial inclusion, and environmental quality on inflows of FDI in BRI nations for the period from 1990 to 2020. Several panel econometrical tools have been applied, for example, CDS, CADF, CIPS, CS-ARDL, and NARDL, to investigate the association and explanatory variables elasticity on inflows of FDI in BRI nations. CDS results revealed that research units share common dynamism and second-generation panel unit root test-documented variables are stationary after the first difference. The results of the panel co-integration with an error-correction term confirmed the empirical equation’s long-run association. According to the CS-ARDL assessment, positive and statistically significant impacts have been documented, from financial inclusion, good governance, and environmental quality to FDI inflows. Study findings suggest that governmental effectiveness, easy access to financial services and benefits, and a less-regulated environmental concern economy motivate capital transfer decisions. The asymmetric assessment documented a long-run asymmetric association between FI, GG, EQ, and FDI. Referring to asymmetric shock elasticity, the study disclosed a positive and statistically significant relation to FDI inflows, especially in the long run. The directional causality test documented bidirectional causality running between FI, EQ, GG, and FDI [FI←→FDI; GG←→FDI; and EQ←→FDI] in the short-run.
A novel diagnostic model for predicting immune microenvironment subclass based on costimulatory molecules in lung squamous carcinoma
Authors: Duan Fangfang , Wang Weisen , Zhai Wenyu , Wang Junye , Zhao Zerui , Zheng Lie , Rao Bingyu , Zhou Yuheng , Long Hao , Lin Yaobin
Published: December 2022

There is still no ideal predictive biomarker for immunotherapy response among patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Costimulatory molecules play a role in anti-tumor immune response. Hence, they can be a potential biomarker for immunotherapy response. The current study comprehensively investigated the expression of costimulatory molecules in lung squamous carcinoma (LUSC) and identified diagnostic biomarkers for immunotherapy response. The costimulatory molecule gene expression profiles of 627 patients were obtained from the The Cancer Genome Atlas, GSE73403, and GSE37745 datasets. Patients were divided into different clusters using the k-means clustering method and were further classified into two discrepant tumor microenvironment (TIME) subclasses (hot and cold tumors) according to the immune score of the ESTIMATE algorithm. A high proportion of activated immune cells, including activated memory CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, and M1 macrophages. Five CMGs (FAS, TNFRSF14, TNFRSF17, TNFRSF1B, and TNFSF13B) were considered as diagnostic markers using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator and the Support Vector Machine-Recursive Feature Elimination machine learning algorithms. Based on the five CMGs, a diagnostic nomogram for predicting individual tumor immune microenvironment subclasses in the TCGA dataset was developed, and its predictive performance was validated using GSE73403 and GSE37745 datasets. The predictive accuracy of the diagnostic nomogram was satisfactory in all three datasets. Therefore, it can be used to identify patients who may benefit more from immunotherapy.
Microglial Pten safeguards postnatal integrity of the cortex and sociability
Authors: Zhou Xing , Wei Jiacheng , Li Liang , Shu Zhenfeng , You Ling , Liu Yang , Zhao Ruozhu , Yao Jiacheng , Wang Jianbin , Luo Minmin , Shu Yousheng , Yuan Kexin , Qi Hai
Published: December 2022

Microglial abnormalities may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. PTEN is implicated as a susceptibility gene for autism spectrum disorders and its germline ablation in mice causes behavioral abnormalities. Here we find postnatal PTEN deletion in microglia causes deficits in sociability and novel object recognition test. Mutant mice harbor markedly more activated microglia that manifest enhanced phagocytosis. Interestingly, two-week postponement of microglia PTEN ablation leads to no social interaction defects, even though mutant microglia remain abnormal in adult animals. Disturbed neurodevelopment caused by early PTEN deletion in microglia is characterized by insufficient VGLUT1 protein in synaptosomes, likely a consequence of enhanced removal by microglia. In correlation, in vitro acute slice recordings demonstrate weakened synaptic inputs to layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the developing cortex. Therefore, microglial PTEN safeguards integrity of neural substrates underlying sociability in a developmentally determined manner.
Metastatic phenotype and immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Key role of the urokinase plasminogen activator (PLAU)
Authors: Hosen S. M. Zahid , Uddin Md. Nazim , Xu Zhihong , Buckley Benjamin J. , Perera Chamini , Pang Tony C. Y. , Mekapogu Alpha Raj , Moni Mohammad Ali , Notta Faiyaz , Gallinger Steven , Pirola Ron , Wilson Jeremy , Ranson Marie , Goldstein David , Apte Minoti
Published: December 2022

Background

Previous studies have revealed the role of dysregulated urokinase plasminogen activator (encoded by PLAU) expression and activity in several pathways associated with cancer progression. However, systematic investigation into the association of PLAU expression with factors that modulate PDAC (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma) progression is lacking, such as those affecting stromal (pancreatic stellate cell, PSC)-cancer cell interactions, tumour immunity, PDAC subtypes and clinical outcomes from potential PLAU inhibition.

Methods

This study used an integrated bioinformatics approach to identify prognostic markers correlated with PLAU expression using different transcriptomics, proteomics, and clinical data sets. We then determined the association of dysregulated PLAU and correlated signatures with oncogenic pathways, metastatic phenotypes, stroma, immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME) and clinical outcome. Finally, using an in vivo orthotopic model of pancreatic cancer, we confirmed the predicted effect of inhibiting PLAU on tumour growth and metastasis.

Results

Our analyses revealed that PLAU upregulation is not only associated with numerous other prognostic markers but also associated with the activation of various oncogenic signalling pathways, aggressive phenotypes relevant to PDAC growth and metastasis, such as proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), stemness, hypoxia, extracellular cell matrix (ECM) degradation, upregulation of stromal signatures, and immune suppression in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Moreover, the upregulation of PLAU was directly connected with signalling pathways known to mediate PSC-cancer cell interactions. Furthermore, PLAU upregulation was associated with the aggressive basal/squamous phenotype of PDAC and significantly reduced overall survival, indicating that this subset of patients may benefit from therapeutic interventions to inhibit PLAU activity. Our studies with a clinically relevant orthotopic pancreatic model showed that even short-term PLAU inhibition is sufficient to significantly halt tumour growth and, importantly, eliminate visible metastasis.

Conclusion

Elevated PLAU correlates with increased aggressive phenotypes, stromal score, and immune suppression in PDAC. PLAU upregulation is also closely associated with the basal subtype type of PDAC; patients with this subtype are at high risk of mortality from the disease and may benefit from therapeutic targeting of PLAU.
The emerging role of regulatory cell-based therapy in autoimmune disease
Authors: Ghobadinezhad Farbod , Ebrahimi Nasim , Mozaffari Fatemeh , Moradi Neda , Beiranvand Sheida , Pournazari Mehran , Rezaei-Tazangi Fatemeh , Khorram Roya , Afshinpour Maral , Robino Rob A. , Aref Amir Reza , Ferreira Leonardo M. R.
Published: December 2022

Autoimmune disease, caused by unwanted immune responses to self-antigens, affects millions of people each year and poses a great social and economic burden to individuals and communities. In the course of autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and multiple sclerosis, disturbances in the balance between the immune response against harmful agents and tolerance towards self-antigens lead to an immune response against self-tissues. In recent years, various regulatory immune cells have been identified. Disruptions in the quality, quantity, and function of these cells have been implicated in autoimmune disease development. Therefore, targeting or engineering these cells is a promising therapeutic for different autoimmune diseases. Regulatory T cells, regulatory B cells, regulatory dendritic cells, myeloid suppressor cells, and some subsets of innate lymphoid cells are arising as important players among this class of cells. Here, we review the roles of each suppressive cell type in the immune system during homeostasis and in the development of autoimmunity. Moreover, we discuss the current and future therapeutic potential of each one of these cell types for autoimmune diseases.
Tuberculosis alters immune-metabolic pathways resulting in perturbed IL-1 responses
Authors: Llibre Alba , Smith Nikaïa , Rouilly Vincent , Musvosvi Munyaradzi , Nemes Elisa , Posseme Céline , Mabwe Simbarashe , Charbit Bruno , Mbandi Stanley Kimbung , Filander Elizabeth , Africa Hadn , Saint-André Violaine , Bondet Vincent , Bost Pierre , Mulenga Humphrey , Bilek Nicole , Albert Matthew L. , Scriba Thomas J. , Duffy Darragh
Published: December 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem and we lack a comprehensive understanding of howMycobacterium tuberculosis(M. tb) infection impacts host immune responses. We compared the induced immune response to TB antigen, BCG and IL-1β stimulation between latentlyM. tbinfected individuals (LTBI) and active TB patients. This revealed distinct responses between TB/LTBI at transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic levels. At baseline, we identified a novel immune-metabolic association between pregnane steroids, the PPARγ pathway and elevated plasma IL-1ra in TB. We observed dysregulated IL-1 responses after BCG stimulation in TB patients, with elevated IL-1ra responses being explained by upstream TNF differences. Additionally, distinct secretion of IL-1α/IL-1β in LTBI/TB after BCG stimulation was associated with downstream differences in granzyme mediated cleavage. Finally, IL-1β driven signalling was dramatically perturbed in TB disease but was completely restored after successful treatment. This study improves our knowledge of how immune responses are altered during TB disease, and may support the design of improved preventive and therapeutic tools, including host-directed strategies.
Impact of mature tertiary lymphoid structures on prognosis and therapeutic response of Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer patients
Authors: Yin Yi-Xin , Ling Yi-Hong , Wei Xiao-Li , He Cai-Yun , Wang Bing-Zhi , Hu Chun-Fang , Lin Wen-Ping , Nie Run-Cong , Chen Jie-Wei , Lin Jin-Long , Zhou Jie , Xie Juan-Juan , Yun Jing-Ping , Xie Dan , Xue Li-Yan , Cai Mu-Yan
Published: December 2022

Background

Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) exhibits unique histological characteristics within the immune-cell-rich microenvironment, but the role of tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) in EBVaGC is not yet fully understood.

Methods

We retrospectively identified EBVaGC from 8517 consecutive GC cases from the two top cancer centers in China. Furthermore, we evaluated the prognostic value of TLS in 148 EBVaGC patients from our institute and then validated it in an external cohort (76 patients). TLS was quantified and its relationships with overall survival (OS) and therapeutic response were further analyzed. Multiplex immunofluorescence staining and targeted sequencing were used to characterize the composition of TLS and the genomic landscape, respectively.

Results

In our study, EBVaGC was observed in 4.3% (190/4436) and 2.6% (109/4081) of GCs in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. TLS was identified in the intratumor (94.6%) and peritumor (77.0%) tissues with lymphoid aggregates, primary and secondary (i.e., mature TLSs) follicles in EBVaGC. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that mature TLS in intratumoral tissues was associated with a favorable OS in the training and validation cohorts (p < 0.0001; p = 0.0108). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that intratumoral TLS maturation, pTNM, and PD-L1 expression were independent prognostic factors for OS (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the mature TLS was significantly associated with a good response to treatment in EBVaGC patients. Interestingly, the mutation frequency of SMARCA4 was significantly lower in the mature TLS groups.

Conclusions

Intratumoral mature TLS was associated with a favorable prognosis and good therapeutic response, suggesting that it is a potential prognostic biomarker and predicts a good therapeutic response in EBVaGC patients.
The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-22 exhibited a proinflammatory effect in the ovary aiding with the parturition of ovoviviparous black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii)
Authors: Yan Shaojing , Lyu Likang , Wang Xiaojie , Wen Haishen , Li Yun , Li Jianshuang , Yao Yijia , Zuo Chenpeng , Xie Songyang , Wang Zhijun , Qi Xin
Published: December 2022

Introduction

As a unique type of immunological process, pregnancy and subsequent parturition are associated with a series of inflammatory events. As an anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-22 has been proven to participate in the parturition process in mammals. However, less is known about ovoviviparous teleosts. To investigate the role of IL-22 in fish parturition, black rockfish, an ovoviviparous teleost, was used. This fish is unique in that it provides over 60% nutrition supply for over 50 thousand embryos at the same time though a placenta-like structure during pregnancy while delivering all fries in two hours.

Methods

Sequence alignment, phylogenetic tree analysis and homology modeling were performed on IL-22 and its receptor. In situ hybridization demonstrated ovarian localization of il22 and il22r1. The protein of rIL-22 was obtained through the prokaryotic expression. RNA-seq analysis was performed on black rockfish ovarian cells treated with rIL-22.

Results

In situ hybridization results showed that both il22 and il22ra1 were localized in the perinatal follicle layer and embryonic envelope. The il22 expression level was significantly increased during parturition compared to before and after parturition (P<0.05). To further understand the mechanism of IL-22 in parturition, rIL-22 was obtained. The downstream variation genes in primary cultured ovarian cells in the perinatal period were analyzed according to the transcriptomic results. A total of 168 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the rIL-22 group compared with the PBS control group (padj < 0.05 and |log2FoldChange| 1). Of those, 134 DEGs were identified in the LPS and rIL-22 treatment groups, including chemokine, cytokine, and PG synthesis. 34 DEGs were mainly identified in immune-related pathways and reorganization of the cytoskeleton responded only to rIL-22 stimulation but not LPS. KEGG pathways mainly included immune response, PG synthesis, cell death and angiogenesis (p value < 0.05).

Discussion

Taken together, our results indicated that IL-22 plays an important role in the parturition of black rockfish by upregulating PG synthesis and increasing chemokine, proinflammatory factor, as well as PG synthetase levels.
Enhancing cooperative responses by regional fisheries management organisations to climate-driven redistribution of tropical Pacific tuna stocks
Authors: Goodman Camille , Davis Ruth , Azmi Kamal , Bell Johann , Galland Grantly R. , Gilman Eric , Haas Bianca , Hanich Quentin , Lehodey Patrick , Manarangi-Trott Lara , Nicol Simon , Obregon Pablo , Pilling Graham , Senina Inna , Seto Katherine , Tsamenyi Martin
Published: December 2022

Climate change is predicted to alter the distributions of tropical tuna stocks in the Pacific Ocean. Recent modelling projects significant future shifts in tuna biomass from west to east, and from national jurisdictions to high seas areas. As the distributions of these stocks change, the relevant regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs)—the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC)—will need to develop an expanded framework for cooperation and collaboration to fulfil their conservation and management responsibilities under international law. The key elements of a possible expanded framework for cooperation can be developed, and fundamental areas for collaboration identified, by applying and adapting principles established in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement, and the constituent instruments of the RFMOs themselves. Our analysis reveals a wide range of important issues requiring cooperation, and three clear priorities. First, a formal mechanism for cooperation is needed to enable effective and efficient decision-making and action by the two RFMOs on key issues. Second, further cooperation is required in scientific research and modelling to better understand the biology and distributions of Pacific tuna stocks and how they will respond to climate change, and to inform stock assessments and harvest strategies. Third, the RFMOs must cooperate to define appropriate limits on fishing for each stock in a way that ensures they are compatible across the two organisations, taking into account their different members and management regimes.
The quantitative relationship between macrobenthic carbon and organic carbon in sediments: A case study of the northern continental shelf of the South China Sea
Authors: Tang Dehao , Liu Xingjian , Peng Tianyue , Yang Xiaohong , Jia Lei , He Jian , Huang Xiaoguang , Xia Zhen
Published: December 2022

Macrobenthos play an important role in global biogeochemical cycles and carbon energy exchange. Macrobenthic communities on continental shelves are alimented through the sedimentation of organic material. Sedimentary organic carbon is the key step for the carbon cycling within the continental shelf benthic trophic web. However, the quantitative relationship between the macrobenthos and sediments based on total organic carbon (TOC), and the trophic pathways of macrobenthos applied by stable carbon and nitrogen isotope data (δ13C and δ15N) on the continental shelf are still limited. Therefore, the continental shelf of the northern South China Sea (NSCS), with abundant macrobenthos, was chosen as the research area. In this paper, TOC, total nitrogen (TN), δ13C and δ15N of the macrobenthos and sediments, the eco-exergy (Ex), structural eco-exergy (Exst) of macrobenthos communities of the NSCS were analysed. The TOC and TN in macrobenthos varied widely between 1.05% and 71.08% and between 0.29% and 11.36%, respectively, which were much higher than those in sediments. Trophic pathways (food sources and trophic levels) were established by applying δ13C and δ15N values of the main macrobenthic species. The similar stable isotope ratios and the trophic levels of most macrobenthos (2.0–3.4) might indicate similar food compositions and living habits. Eco-exergy grades were positively correlated with the average trophic level value of macrobenthos (correlation coefficient R=0.79). The relationship between the Ex value and the weight of required sediments estimated by the average organic carbon showed a typical positive correlation (R=0.98). This establishment of quantitative relationship provides a useful method for evaluating the structural functions of the ecosystem and researching the carbon sequestration potential of the macrobenthos community.
Relationship between initial symptoms and the prognosis, sex, and demographic area of patients with COVID-19
Authors: Oliván-Blázquez Bárbara , Bartolomé-Moreno Cruz , Gericó-Aseguinolaza Junkal , Méndez-López Fátima , Lerma-Irureta David , Lamiquiz-Moneo Itziar , Fernández-Martínez Selene , Magallón-Botaya Rosa
Published: December 2022

Background

A method of determining the initial symptoms and main prognostic identifiers for COVID-19 can be a key tool for physicians, especially primary care physicians. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 from two different demographic regions according to baseline and main symptoms, age, and sex.

Methods

All individuals selected from both urban and rural health centers were over 18 years of age, had COVID-19 before 2 March 2021, and were followed up with a primary care physician. All patients included in this study were recruited in terms of sex, age at the time of infection, type of contact, baseline symptoms, primary and secondary symptomatology, emergency assistance, hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and death.

Results

A total of 219 and 214 subjects were recruited from rural and urban health centers, respectively. Subjects with COVID-19 from rural areas were significantly older in age, with a higher proportion of men, and had significantly lower baseline and main symptoms than those from urban areas. In addition, the presence of both fever and dyspnea as the initial or main symptom is significantly associated with emergency assistance, hospitalization, and death, regardless of sex, age, and demographic area. This type of illness was reported to be significantly less frequent in the rural population than in the urban population.

Conclusion

The presence of both fever and dyspnea as both initial and main symptoms is a poor prognostic factor for COVID-19, regardless of age, sex, and demographic areas. In addition, women reported lower levels of fever and dyspnea, requiring minimal emergency assistance and fewer hospitalization, and a lower rate of mortality than men. During a COVID-19 infection follow-up, subjects in rural areas seem to have less access to medical care than those in urban areas.
Advances in fermented foods revealed by multi-omics: A new direction toward precisely clarifying the roles of microorganisms
Authors: Shi Haisu , An Feiyu , Lin Hao , Li Mo , Wu Junrui , Wu Rina
Published: December 2022

Fermented foods generally comprise a complex micro-ecosystem with beneficial microbiota, functional products, and special flavors and qualities that are welcomed globally. Single-omics analysis allows for a comprehensive characterization of the main microbial factors influencing the function, flavor, and quality of fermented foods. However, the species, relative abundance, viability, growth patterns, and metabolic processes of microorganisms vary with changes in processing and environmental conditions during fermentation. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying the complex interaction among microorganisms are still difficult to completely understand and analyze. Recently, multi-omics analysis and the integration of multiple types of omics data allowed researchers to more comprehensively explore microbial communities and understand the precise relationship between fermented foods and their functions, flavors, and qualities. Multi-omics approaches might help clarify the mechanisms underpinning the fermentation processes, metabolites, and functional components of these communities. This review clarified the recent advances in the roles of microorganisms in fermented foods based on multi-omics data. Current research achievements may allow for the precise control of the whole industrial processing technology of fermented foods, meeting consumers’ expectations of healthy products.
Triple-nerve decompression surgery for the treatment of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy in lower extremities: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liao Chenlong , Li Shuo , Nie Xin , Tian Yayuan , Zhang Wenchuan
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is often refractory to conventional medications. Triple-nerve decompression was proposed for painful DPN due to the frequent involvement of multiple nerve entrapments in diabetes. However, the role of decompressive surgery remains controversial. This trial aims to assess the efficacy of triple-nerve decompression for patients with painful DPN suggestive of nerve entrapment using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design.

Methods and analysis

This trial is a single-center RCT and will be conducted in Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital. Enrolled subjects (n= 74) with painful DPN due to nerve compression, which can be detected by nerve conduction studies, will be randomly allocated at a 1:1 ratio into surgical and non-surgical groups. The primary outcome will be measured by 50% responder rates, which is defined as the proportion of subjects with at least 50% reduction of the mean weekly visual analog score (VAS) of pain from baseline after 6 months of treatment. Mean weekly VAS will be additionally evaluated 1 week (W1), 1 month (M1), and 3 months (M3) after treatment to monitor the changes in pain intensity. The secondary outcomes include two-point discrimination (TPD), Toronto clinical scoring system (TCSS), electrophysiological indexes, hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), and the medical outcome study short-form 36-item questionnaire (SF-36). A quantitative analgesic questionnaire (QAQ) will be used as a secondary outcome to quantify the analgesic medication weekly. TPD and TCSS will be conducted at W1, M1, M3, and M6 after treatment. Electrophysiological tests, HADS, and SF-36 will be performed at M3 and M6.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital (SH9H-2-21-T323-2). It was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry website (http://www.chictr.org.cn) on 16 August 2021 with the number ChiCTR2100050049. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The results of this trial will be disseminatedviapeer-reviewed journals, mass media, and presentations at national and international academic conferences.
Sustainable choices: The relationship between adherence to the dietary guidelines and food waste behaviors in Italian families
Authors: Grant Federica , Rossi Laura
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Food loss and waste are urgent problems to address. Recent estimates highlighted that the highest quantities of waste are generated at the household level and for this reason, the interest in this sector has increased over years.

Methods

To investigate if there is a connection between consumers’ behaviors aiming at reducing food waste and consumers’ choices in adopting healthy eating habits, a survey among a sample (n = 2,869) representative of the Italian population was carried out with the use of validated questionnaires.

Results

Results demonstrated that the higher the adherence to the Italian dietary guidelines indicator (AIDGI) the higher the score measuring household food waste behaviors (HFWB). In particular, the highest AIDGI corresponds to a preponderance of respondents that was more able to plan the shopping and the use of food (38.9%, p < 0.001), to better evaluate the quantities to cook (40.4%, p < 0.001), to avoid impulsive buying (35.2%, p < 0.01), to have a high knowledge of the food stored (38.4%, p < 0.001), to reuse leftovers (35.4%, p < 0.001), to assess food safety (34.7%, p < 0.001), to plan accurately (34.9%, p < 0.01), to know how to prolong the shelf life of a product (34%, p < 0.05), and to cook creatively (32%, p < 0.01). In addition to that, half of the respondents with the lowest AIDGI score did not receive any education regarding food waste (51.1%, p < 0.001). HFWB indicators globally resulted in scores ranging from 40 to 80% revealing the attention of Italians to food waste issues. Regarding eating habits, in half of the sample (50.4%) a consumption pattern with low adherence to nutritional recommendations was found, in particular among men (34.4%), younger age groups (40%), and people living in large families (42.3%).

Discussion

The overall results provided interesting information that could give input for planning nutrition education actions and identifying targets and topics to be addressed.
Metabolic targeting, immunotherapy and radiation in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: Where do we go from here?
Authors: Dhawan Annika , Pifer Phillip M. , Sandulache Vlad C. , Skinner Heath D.
Published: December 2022

In the US, there are ~250,000 new lung cancer diagnoses and ~130,000 deaths per year, and worldwide there are an estimated 1.6 million deaths per year from this deadly disease. Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death worldwide, and it accounts for roughly a quarter of all cancer deaths in the US. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents 80-85% of these cases. Due to an enormous tobacco cessation effort, NSCLC rates in the US are decreasing, and the implementation of lung cancer screening guidelines and other programs have resulted in a higher percentage of patients presenting with potentially curable locoregional disease, instead of distant disease. Exciting developments in molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy have resulted in dramatic improvement in patients’ survival, in combination with new surgical, pathological, radiographical, and radiation techniques. Concurrent platinum-based doublet chemoradiation therapy followed by immunotherapy has set the benchmark for survival in these patients. However, despite these advances, ~50% of patients diagnosed with locally advanced NSCLC (LA-NSCLC) survive long-term. In patients with local and/or locoregional disease, chemoradiation is a critical component of curative therapy. However, there remains a significant clinical gap in improving the efficacy of this combined therapy, and the development of non-overlapping treatment approaches to improve treatment outcomes is needed. One potential promising avenue of research is targeting cancer metabolism. In this review, we will initially provide a brief general overview of tumor metabolism as it relates to therapeutic targeting. We will then focus on the intersection of metabolism on both oxidative stress and anti-tumor immunity. This will be followed by discussion of both tumor- and patient-specific opportunities for metabolic targeting in NSCLC. We will then conclude with a discussion of additional agents currently in development that may be advantageous to combine with chemo-immuno-radiation in NSCLC.
Next-generation sequencing of homologous recombination genes could predict efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Guan Shasha , Meng Fanlu , Teng Lin , Zhong Diansheng
Published: December 2022

Background

With the widespread use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in clinical practice, an increasing number of biomarkers that predict a response to anti-tumor therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been identified. However, validated biomarkers that can be used to detect a response to platinum-based chemotherapy remain unavailable. Several studies have suggested that homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) may occur in response to platinum-based chemotherapy in ovarian cancer and breast cancer. However, currently there is a lack of proven and reliable HRD markers that can be used to screen for patients who may benefit from platinum-based chemotherapy, especially in NSCLC.

Methods

NGS was used to screen for gene mutations, including homologous recombination (HR) genes and common driver gene mutations in NSCLC. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify potential clinicopathological or gene mutation factors associated with survival in patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy, while Kaplan–Meier analysis with the log-rank test was performed to assess the effect of HR gene mutations on progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

In a retrospective cohort of 129 patients with advanced NSCLC, 54 who received platinum-based chemotherapy with or without anti-angiogenic therapy were included in the analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses showed that HR gene mutations were associated with platinum-based chemotherapy sensitivity. Efficacy results indicated that the objective response rates (ORR) for patients with BRCA1/2 mutations and BRCA1/2 wild type were 75% and 30.4% (p=0.041), while the median PFS was 7.5 and 5.5 months (hazard ratio [HR], 0.52; 95% CI, 0.27–1.00; p=0.084), respectively. The ORRs of patients with HR gene mutations and HR gene wild type were 60% and 23.6% (p=0.01), and the median PFS was 7.5 and 5.2 months (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.32–0.97; p=0.033), respectively.

Conclusions

HR gene mutations show potential as promising biomarkers that may predict sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced and metastatic NSCLC.
Integrated bioinformatics analysis of IFITM1 as a prognostic biomarker and investigation of its immunological role in prostate adenocarcinoma
Authors: Qiao Shaoyi , Zhang Wuhe , Su Yansheng , Jiang Yao
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) is a highly aggressive malignancy with high mortality and poor prognosis, and its potential mechanism remains unclear. Our study aimed to identify novel markers for the prognosis of PRAD using bioinformatics technology.

Methods

The GSE32571 dataset was downloaded from the GEO database, and analyzed via the limma R package to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed immune score-related genes (DEISRGs). The immune-related genes (IRGs) were further obtained by overlapping DEISRGs and DEGs, and the core gene was identified via survival analysis. Furthermore, the expression level, prognostic value, and potential functions of the core gene were evaluated via multiple bioinformatics databases.

Results

A total of 301 IRGs were identified from the GSE32571 dataset, and IFITM1 was a down-regulated gene in several types of cancer, including PRAD. Besides, low expression of IFITM1 was associated with a poor prognosis in PRAD. GSEA indicated that the vital pathways of IFITM1-associated genes were mainly enriched in primary immunodeficiency, Th17 cell differentiation, Th1, and Th2 cell differentiation, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, myeloid dendritic cell activation, regulation of leukocyte activation, etc. Furthermore, IFITM1 was closely correlated with 22 types of tumor-infiltrating immune cells.

Discussion

IFITM1 was a prognostic biomarker for PRAD patients, and it can be acted as a potential immune therapy target in PRAD.
Establishment of triple-negative breast cancer cells based on BMI: A novel model in the correlation between obesity and breast cancer
Authors: Shveid Gerson Daniela , Gerson‐Cwilich Raquel , Lara Torres Cesar Octavio , Chousleb de Kalach Alberto , Ventura Gallegos José Luis , Badillo‐Garcia Luis Ernesto , Bargalló Rocha Juan Enrique , Maffuz‐Aziz Antonio , Sánchez Forgach Ernesto Roberto , Castorena Roji Gerardo , Robles Vidal Carlos D. , Vargas‐Castillo Ariana , Torres Nimbe , Tovar Armando R. , Contreras Jarquín Mariela , Gómez Osnaya Jesús Tenahuatzin , Zentella‐Dehesa Alejandro
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Obesity has been associated with an increased risk of biologically aggressive variants in breast cancer. Women with obesity often have tumors diagnosed at later stages of the disease, associated with a poorer prognosis and a different response to treatment. Human cell lines have been derived from specific subtypes of breast cancer and have served to define the cell physiology of corresponding breast cancer subtypes. However, there are no current cell lines for breast cancer specifically derived from patients with different BMIs. The availability of those breast cancer cell lines should allow to describe and unravel functional alterations linked to these comorbidities.

Methods

Cell cultures were established from tumor explants. Once generated, the triple negative subtype in a patient with obesity and a patient with a normal BMI were chosen for comparison. For cellular characterization, the following assays were conducted: proliferation assays, chemo – sensitivity assays for doxorubicin and paclitaxel, wound healing motility assays, matrix invasion assays, breast cancer cell growth to estradiol by chronic exposure to leptin, induction of endothelial permeability and tumorigenic potential in athymic mice with normo - versus hypercaloric diets with an evaluation of the epithelium – mesenchymal transformation proteins.

Results

Two different cell lines, were established from patients with breast cancer: DSG-BC1, with a BMI of 21.9 kg/m2 and DSG-BC2, with a BMI of 31.5 kg/m2. In vitro, these two cell lines show differential growth rates, motility, chemosensitivity, vascular permeability, response to leptin with an activation of the JAK2/STAT3/AKT signaling pathway. In vivo, they displayed distinct tumorigenic potential. In particular, DSG-BC2, presented higher tumorigenicity when implanted in mice fed with a hypercaloric diet.

Discussion

To our knowledge, these primary cultures are the first in vitro representation of both breast cancer and obesity. DSG – BC2 presented a more aggressive in vivo and in vitro phenotype. These results support the hypothesis that breast cancer generated in an obese metabolic state may represent a contrasting variant within the same disease. This new model will allow both further comprehension, functional studies and the analysis of altered molecular mechanisms under the comorbidity of obesity and breast cancer.
Case Report: Adenosine kinase deficiency diagnosed 10 years after liver transplantation: Novel phenotypic insights
Authors: Lipiński Patryk , Ciara Elżbieta , Jurkiewicz Dorota , Pronicki Maciej , Jurkiewicz Elżbieta , Bogdańska Anna , Płoski Rafał , Jankowska Irena
Published: December 2022

Adenosine kinase (ADK) deficiency is a rare inborn error of methionine and adenosine metabolism. So far, a total of 27 patients with ADK deficiency have been reported. Here, we describe the first Polish patient diagnosed with ADK deficiency, aiming to highlight the clinical presentation of disease, emphasize diagnostic difficulties, and report the long-term follow-up. Six-month-old patient presented with cholestatic liver disease, macrocytic anemia, developmental delay, generalized hypotonia, delayed brain myelination, and elevated levels of serum methionine. A decrease of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex II and III activity were found in the postnuclear supernatants obtained from skeletal muscle biopsy. The patient underwent living-donor liver transplantation (LTx) at 14 months of age. Ten-year follow-up after LTx revealed a preserved good liver function, persistent regenerative macrocytic anemia, progressive neurological disease but disappearance of brain MR changes, short stature, and cortisol deficiency. Whole exome sequencing revealed the patient to be affected with two novel ADK variants, which pathogenicity was confirmed biochemically by demonstration of elevated concentration of S-adenosylhomocysteine.