bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genotypic composition and performance of pea-nodulating rhizobia from soils outside the native plant-host range
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Wang Nan , Li Shuo , Brunel Brigitte , Wang Jingqi , Feng Yufeng , Yang Tao , Zong Xuxiao
Published: July 2023

Cultivated soils need to shelter suitable rhizobia for legume cropping, especially in areas outside of the plant-host native range, where soils may lack efficient symbiotic partners. We analyzed the distribution patterns and traits of native rhizobia associated with Pisum sativum L. in soils of Hebei Province, a region that has recently experienced an expansion of pea production in China. A total of 43 rhizobial isolates were obtained from root-nodules and characterized genetically and symbiotically. The isolates discriminated into 12 genotypes as defined by PCR-RFLP of IGS DNA. Multiple locus sequence analysis (MLSA) based on the 16S rRNA, recA, atpD and gyrB of representative strains placed them into five clusters of four defined species (R. sophorae, R. indicum, R. changzhiense, and R. anhuiense) and a novel Rhizobium genospecies. R. sophorae was the dominant group (58%) followed by R. indicum (23%). The other groups composed of R. changzhiense (14%), R. anhuiense (1 isolate) and the new genospecies (1 isolate), were minor and site-specific. Based on nodC phylogeny, all representatives were intermingled within the symbiovar viciae with R. sophorae and R. changzhiense being a new record. All the tested strains showed efficient symbiotic fixation on pea plants, with half of them exhibiting better plant biomass performance. This suggests that the pea-nodulating rhizobia in Hebei Province form a specific community of efficient symbiotic rhizobia on pea, distinct from those reported in other countries.
Clinical features and treatment outcomes of Vibrio vulnificus infection in the coastal city of Ningbo, China
Authors: Wang Jieyi , Weng Xingbei , Weng Yuesong , Xu Quanjun , Lu Yao , Mo Yijun
Published: July 2023

Background

Vibrio vulnificus is a gram-negative, opportunistic pathogen common to warm waters worldwide. Human V. vulnificus infection is rare and typically affects those residing in coastal areas during the summer months, but it causes rapid deterioration and is fatal.

Methods

The medical records of six patients with sepsis caused by V. vulnificus infection who were treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University from 2020 to 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The patient demographics, clinical symptoms, laboratory test results, treatments, and outcomes are summarized.

Results

Vibrio vulnificus infection was confirmed by blood or pus culture, 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing, and metagenomic next-generation sequencing. All six patients were male with pre-existing liver diseases and two reported consuming seafood before the onset of symptoms. Of the six patients, four succumbed to the disease, two recovered, and one underwent leg amputation.

Conclusion

Vibrio vulnificus infection progresses rapidly and is highly fatal, thus prompt and aggressive treatment is necessary. Vibrio vulnificus infection should be considered in older (>40 years) patients with a history of liver disease and recent consumption of seafood or exposure to seawater, especially those residing in coastal areas during the summer months.
Prediction of rehabilitation induced motor recovery after stroke using a multi-dimensional and multi-modal approach
Authors: Salvalaggio Silvia , Turolla Andrea , Andò Martina , Barresi Rita , Burgio Francesca , Busan Pierpaolo , Cortese Anna Maria , D’Imperio Daniela , Danesin Laura , Ferrazzi Giulio , Maistrello Lorenza , Mascotto Eleonora , Parrotta Ilaria , Pezzetta Rachele , Rigon Elena , Vedovato Anna , Zago Sara , Zorzi Marco , Arcara Giorgio , Mantini Dante , Filippini Nicola
Published: July 2023

Background

Stroke is a debilitating disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite the survival rate has significantly increased over the years, many stroke survivors are left with severe impairments impacting their quality of life. Rehabilitation programs have proved to be successful in improving the recovery process. However, a reliable model of sensorimotor recovery and a clear identification of predictive markers of rehabilitation-induced recovery are still needed. This article introduces the cross-modality protocols designed to investigate the rehabilitation treatment’s effect in a group of stroke survivors.

Methods/design

A total of 75 stroke patients, admitted at the IRCCS San Camillo rehabilitation Hospital in Venice (Italy), will be included in this study. Here, we describe the rehabilitation programs, clinical, neuropsychological, and physiological/imaging [including electroencephalography (EEG), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques] protocols set up for this study. Blood collection for the characterization of predictive biological biomarkers will also be taken. Measures derived from data acquired will be used as candidate predictors of motor recovery.

Discussion/summary

The integration of cutting-edge physiological and imaging techniques, with clinical and cognitive assessment, dose of rehabilitation and biological variables will provide a unique opportunity to define a predictive model of recovery in stroke patients. Taken together, the data acquired in this project will help to define a model of rehabilitation induced sensorimotor recovery, with the final aim of developing personalized treatments promoting the greatest chance of recovery of the compromised functions.
Cardiocerebrovascular risk in sensorineural hearing loss: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015 to 2018
Authors: Zheng Jianrong , Cheng Yajing , Zhan Ying , Liu Cong , Lu Bihua , Hu Jun
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study aims to determine whether the risks of cardiocerebrovascular disease are relevant to sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) based on a national database.

Methods

A total of 1,321 participants aged from 18 to 69 with complete data including medical history and audiometry from the NHANES database (2015–2018) were analyzed. All included participants had available hearing data and the average thresholds of the hearing data were measured and calculated as low-frequency pure-tone average (LFPTA; 500, 1,000, and 2,000 Hz) and high-frequency pure-tone average (HFPTA; 3,000, 4,000, 6,000, and 8,000 kHz). SNHL was defined as an average pure tone of more than or equal to 20 dB in at least one better ear. Multivariable models to assess the association between cardiocerebrovascular risks and SNHL were used in this study.

Results

The prevalence of stroke was 1.6% in individuals with SNHL and 0.4% in individuals without SNHL (p = 0.023). A higher cardiovascular risk score was observed in SNHL patients compared to participants without SNHL (1.58 vs. 0.90, p < 0.001). Stroke was associated with a 3.67-fold increase in the risk of SNHL (95% CI: 1.12–12.00, p = 0.032) in univariable logistic regression, and the association (OR = 4.22, 95%CI = 1.28–13.93, p = 0.020) remained significant after adjusting for several covariates. Multivariable logistic regression models indicated a positive correlation between cardiovascular risk and SNHL (OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.40–1.96, p < 0.001), but no significant relationship was shown with all covariates adjusted. However, significant associations were found between SNHL and both age and sex in both univariable and multivariable logistic regression models.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that a higher cardiocerebrovascular risk burden was associated with an increased risk of SNHL, and the relationship may be influenced by age and sex. Future longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the mechanistic and pathologic vascular hypothesis of SNHL.
Electrocardiogram monitoring as a predictor of neurological and survival outcomes in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a single-center retrospective observational study
Authors: Takahashi Masaki , Ogura Kentaro , Goto Tadahiro , Hayakawa Mineji
Published: July 2023

Introduction

This study hypothesized that monitoring electrocardiogram (ECG) waveforms in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) could have predictive value for survival or neurological outcomes. We aimed to establish a new prognostication model based on the single variable of monitoring ECG waveforms in patients with OHCA using machine learning (ML) techniques.

Methods

This observational retrospective study included successfully resuscitated patients with OHCA aged ≥ 18 years admitted to an intensive care unit in Japan between April 2010 and April 2020. Waveforms from ECG monitoring for 1 h after admission were obtained from medical records and examined. Based on the open-access PTB-XL dataset, a large publicly available 12-lead ECG waveform dataset, we built an ML-supported premodel that transformed the II-lead waveforms of the monitoring ECG into diagnostic labels. The ECG diagnostic labels of the patients in this study were analyzed for prognosis using another model supported by ML. The endpoints were favorable neurological outcomes (cerebral performance category 1 or 2) and survival to hospital discharge.

Results

In total, 590 patients with OHCA were included in this study and randomly divided into 3 groups (training set, n = 283; validation set, n = 70; and test set, n = 237). In the test set, our ML model predicted neurological and survival outcomes, with the highest areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.688 (95% CI: 0.682–0.694) and 0.684 (95% CI: 0.680–0.689), respectively.

Conclusion

Our ML predictive model showed that monitoring ECG waveforms soon after resuscitation could predict neurological and survival outcomes in patients with OHCA.
A diagnostic model of nerve root compression localization in lower lumbar disc herniation based on random forest algorithm and surface electromyography
Authors: Wang Hujun , Wang Yingpeng , Li Yingqi , Wang Congxiao , Qie Shuyan
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the muscle activation of patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) during walking by surface electromyography (SEMG) and establish a diagnostic model based on SEMG parameters using random forest (RF) algorithm for localization diagnosis of compressed nerve root in LDH patients.

Methods

Fifty-eight patients with LDH and thirty healthy subjects were recruited. The SEMG of tibialis anterior (TA) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) were collected bilaterally during walking. The peak root mean square (RMS-peak), RMS-peak time, mean power frequency (MPF), and median frequency (MF) were analyzed. A diagnostic model based on SEMG parameters using RF algorithm was established to locate compressed nerve root, and repeated reservation experiments were conducted for verification. The study evaluated the diagnostic efficiency of the model using accuracy, precision, recall rate, F1-score, Kappa value, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

The results showed that delayed activation of TA and decreased activation of LG were observed in the L5 group, while decreased activation of LG and earlier activation of LG were observed in the S1 group. The RF model based on eight SEMG parameters showed an average accuracy of 84%, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.93. The RMS peak time of TA was identified as the most important SEMG parameter.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the RF model can assist in the localization diagnosis of compressed nerve roots in LDH patients, and the SEMG parameters can provide further references for optimizing the diagnosis model in the future.
The effect of the alpha-specific PI3K inhibitor alpelisib combined with anti-HER2 therapy in HER2+/PIK3CA mutant breast cancer
Authors: Cataldo Maria Letizia , De Placido Pietro , Esposito Daniela , Formisano Luigi , Arpino Grazia , Giuliano Mario , Bianco Roberto , De Angelis Carmine , Veneziani Bianca Maria
Published: July 2023

Background

HER2 is amplified or overexpressed in around 20% of breast cancers (BC). HER2-targeted therapies have significantly improved the prognosis of patients with HER2+ BC, however, de novo and acquired resistance to anti-HER2 treatment is common. Activating mutations in the PIK3CA gene are reported in ∼30% of HER2+ BC and are associated with resistance to anti-HER2 therapies and a poor prognosis. Here, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo antitumor efficacy of the alpha-specific PI3K inhibitor alpelisib alone or in combination with anti-HER2 therapy using a panel of HER2+ BC cell lines. We also generated models of acquired resistance to alpelisib to investigate the mechanisms underlying resistance to alpha-specific PI3K inhibition.

Materials and methods

PIK3CA mutant (HCC1954, KPL4 and JMT1) and wild-type (BT474 and SKBR3) HER2+ BC cell lines were used. The HCC1954 and KPL4 cells were chronically exposed to increasing concentrations of alpelisib or to alpelisib + trastuzumab in order to generate derivatives with acquired resistance to alpelisib (AR) and to alpelisib + trastuzumab (ATR). The transcriptomic profiles of HCC1954, KPL4 and their AR and ATR derivatives were determined by RNA sequencing. Cell growth was assessed by MTT assay. Changes in the protein levels of key PI3K pathway components were assessed by Western blotting. Gene expression, cellular and patients’ data from the Cancer Dependency Map (DepMap) and KMPlot datasets were interrogated.

Results

HER2+ BC cell lines harboring activating mutations in PIK3CA were less sensitive to single or dual anti-HER2 blockade compared to PIK3CA wild-type cells. Alpelisib treatment resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of the growth of cells with or without PIK3CA mutations and enhanced the antitumor efficacy of anti-HER2 therapies in vitro. In addition, alpelisib greatly delayed tumor growth of HCC1954 xenografts in vivo. Functional annotation of the significantly differentially expressed genes suggested the common activation of biological processes associated with oxidation reduction, cell proliferation, immune response and RNA synthesis in alpelisib-resistant models compared with native cells. Eight commonly upregulated genes (log2 fold-change >1, False Discovery Rate [FDR] <0.05) in models with acquired resistance to alpelisib or alpelisib + trastuzumab were identified. Among these, AKR1C1 was associated with alpelisib-resistance in vitro and with a poor prognosis in patients with HER2+ BC.

Conclusions

Our findings support the use of an alpha-selective PI3K inhibitor to overcome the therapeutic limitations associated with single or dual HER2 blockade in PIK3CA-mutant HER2+ breast cancer. Future studies are warranted to confirm the potential role of candidate genes/pathways in resistance to alpelisib.
GHRL as a prognostic biomarker correlated with immune infiltrates and progression of precancerous lesions in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Jinyun , Liu Dingwei , Xie Yong
Published: July 2023

Objective

Ghrelin is a protein that regulate appetite and energy balance in the human body, which is encoded by the ghrelin prepropeptide gene (GHRL). GHRL is linked with carcinogenesis and immune regulation. However, the correlation of GHRL to prognosis and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear.

Methods

In this study, we assessed the transcriptional expression, prognosis, and different clinicopathological features about GHRL and the correlation between GHRL and tumor infiltration immune cells in GC patients based on the data published in the following databases: TIMER, GEPIA, GEO, STRING, UALCAN, TISIDB, and Kaplan–Meier Plotter. Furthermore, R software analysis for GC Correa’ cascade was also provided. Finally, GHRL expression in GC tissues was assayed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry.

Results

We found that GHRL expression in GC samples was lower than in normal samples and verified by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry. However, sample type, cancer stage, and worse survival were correlated to high GHRL expression. We also found that the expression of GHRL in dysplasia was significantly lower than that in CNAG and in GC. High GHRL expression was connected with immunomodulators, chemokines, and infiltrating levels of B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells in GC.

Conclusions

GHRL is a prognostic biomarker for GC patients, and it is correlated with progression of precancerous lesions in GC. It might lead to poor prognosis by regulating tumor immune microenvironment. Studies are important to explore therapeutic targeting GHRL in the future.
Copine 7 promotes colorectal cancer proliferation through PKM2 interaction and MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Yu Tianwen , Huang Changhao , Lai Chen , He Qing , Yuan Weijie , Chen Zihua
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently the third most common cancer in the world, and its prevalence and mortality rate continue to increase.

Methods

Based on an analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas database, Tumor Immune Estimation Resource and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, we explored the expression of CPNE7 in tumors. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis the expression of CPNE7 in colorectal cancer. Our study explored how CPNE7 promotes CRC cell proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptome sequencing and Co-IP assay explored the underlying mechinaism of CPNE7 founction.

Results

We found the CPNE7 was overexpressed in CRC by database and IHC. CPNE7 promoted CRC cells proliferstion and migration in vitro and in vivo. Comparing and analyzing transcriptome sequencing between exogenous up-/downregulated CPNE7 CRC cells and the controls, we found that CPNE7 activates mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway stimulating cancer cell proliferation. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed an interaction between CPNE7 and pyruvate kinase muscle protein (PKM2). We also found the activity of MAPK signaling is regulated by exogenous CPNE7 expression.

Discussion

These results imply that CPNE7 may promote the progression of CRC by interacting with PKM2 and initiating the MAPK signaling pathway.
Risk of cardiac implantable device malfunction in cancer patients receiving proton therapy: an overview
Authors: Mirzaei Milad , Rowshanfarzad Pejman , Gill Suki , Ebert Martin A. , Dass Joshua
Published: July 2023

Age is a risk factor for both cardiovascular disease and cancer, and as such radiation oncologists frequently see a number of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) receiving proton therapy (PT). CIED malfunctions induced by PT are nonnegligible and can occur in both passive scattering and pencil beam scanning modes. In the absence of an evidence-based protocol, the authors emphasise that this patient cohort should be managed differently to electron- and photon- external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) patients due to distinct properties of proton beams. Given the lack of a PT-specific guideline for managing this cohort and limited studies on this important topic; the process was initiated by evaluating all PT-related CIED malfunctions to provide a baseline for future reporting and research. In this review, different modes of PT and their interactions with a variety of CIEDs and pacing leads are discussed. Effects of PT on CIEDs were classified into a variety of hardware and software malfunctions. Apart from secondary neutrons, cumulative radiation dose, dose rate, CIED model/manufacturer, distance from CIED to proton field, and materials used in CIEDs/pacing leads were all evaluated to determine the probability of malfunctions. The importance of proton beam arrangements is highlighted in this study. Manufacturers should specify recommended dose limits for patients undergoing PT. The establishment of an international multidisciplinary team dedicated to CIED-bearing patients receiving PT may be beneficial.
Computational pharmacogenotype extraction from clinical next-generation sequencing
Authors: Shugg Tyler , Ly Reynold C. , Osei Wilberforce , Rowe Elizabeth J. , Granfield Caitlin A. , Lynnes Ty C. , Medeiros Elizabeth B. , Hodge Jennelle C. , Breman Amy M. , Schneider Bryan P. , Sahinalp S. Cenk , Numanagić Ibrahim , Salisbury Benjamin A. , Bray Steven M. , Ratcliff Ryan , Skaar Todd C.
Published: July 2023

Background

Next-generation sequencing (NGS), including whole genome sequencing (WGS) and whole exome sequencing (WES), is increasingly being used for clinic care. While NGS data have the potential to be repurposed to support clinical pharmacogenomics (PGx), current computational approaches have not been widely validated using clinical data. In this study, we assessed the accuracy of the Aldy computational method to extract PGx genotypes from WGS and WES data for 14 and 13 major pharmacogenes, respectively.

Methods

Germline DNA was isolated from whole blood samples collected for 264 patients seen at our institutional molecular solid tumor board. DNA was used for panel-based genotyping within our institutional Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments- (CLIA-) certified PGx laboratory. DNA was also sent to other CLIA-certified commercial laboratories for clinical WGS or WES. Aldy v3.3 and v4.4 were used to extract PGx genotypes from these NGS data, and results were compared to the panel-based genotyping reference standard that contained 45 star allele-defining variants within CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP4F2, DPYD, G6PD, NUDT15, SLCO1B1, TPMT, and VKORC1.

Results

Mean WGS read depth was >30x for all variant regions except for G6PD (average read depth was 29 reads), and mean WES read depth was >30x for all variant regions. For 94 patients with WGS, Aldy v3.3 diplotype calls were concordant with those from the genotyping reference standard in 99.5% of cases when excluding diplotypes with additional major star alleles not tested by targeted genotyping, ambiguous phasing, and CYP2D6 hybrid alleles. Aldy v3.3 identified 15 additional clinically actionable star alleles not covered by genotyping within CYP2B6, CYP2C19, DPYD, SLCO1B1, and NUDT15. Within the WGS cohort, Aldy v4.4 diplotype calls were concordant with those from genotyping in 99.7% of cases. When excluding patients with CYP2D6 copy number variation, all Aldy v4.4 diplotype calls except for one CYP3A4 diplotype call were concordant with genotyping for 161 patients in the WES cohort.

Conclusion

Aldy v3.3 and v4.4 called diplotypes for major pharmacogenes from clinical WES and WGS data with >99% accuracy. These findings support the use of Aldy to repurpose clinical NGS data to inform clinical PGx.
Passive SOBP generation from a static proton pencil beam using 3D-printed range modulators for FLASH experiments
Authors: Horst Felix , Beyreuther Elke , Bodenstein Elisabeth , Gantz Sebastian , Misseroni Diego , Pugno Nicola M. , Schuy Christoph , Tommasino Francesco , Weber Uli , Pawelke Jörg
Published: July 2023

The University Proton Therapy facility in Dresden (UPTD), Germany, is equipped with an experimental room with a beamline providing a static pencil beam. High proton beam currents can be achieved at this beamline which makes it suitable for FLASH experiments. However, the established experimental setup uses only the entrance channel of the proton Bragg curve. In this work, a set of 3D-printed range modulators designed to generate spread out Bragg peaks (SOBPs) for radiobiological experiments at ultra-high dose rate at this beamline is described. A new method to optimize range modulators specifically for the case of a static pencil beam based on the central depth dose profile is introduced. Modulators for two different irradiation setups were produced and characterized experimentally by measurements of lateral and depth dose distributions using different detectors. In addition, Monte Carlo simulations were performed to assess profiles of the dose averaged linear energy transfer (LETD) in water. These newly produced range modulators will allow future proton FLASH experiments in the SOBP at UPTD with two different experimental setups.
Organic waste compost and spent mushroom compost as potential growing media components for the sustainable production of microgreens
Authors: Poudel Pradip , Duenas Anela E. K. , Di Gioia Francesco
Published: July 2023

Microgreens are emerging specialty crops becoming increasingly popular for their rich nutrient profile and variety of colors, flavors, and textures. The growing medium is a significant key factor in microgreen yield, quality, and sustainability. The widespread use of peat-based media raises questions regarding the environmental sustainability of microgreens production, and new substrates that are more sustainable are required. To this purpose, a study was designed with the objective of comparing eight alternative growing media evaluating their physicochemical properties and effect on yield, mineral profile, and nutritional quality of peas and radish microgreens. Tested substrates included a standard peat and perlite mixture (PP), coconut coir (CC), spent mushroom compost (SMC), organic waste compost (CMP), and 50:50 (v:v) mixes of PP and SMC, PP and CMP, CC and SMC, and CC and CMP. The physicochemical properties widely differed among the alternative substrates tested. SMC had high electrical conductivity and salt concentration, which resulted in poor seed germination. Growing media tested significantly influenced the production and nutritional quality of both microgreen species and variations were modulated by the species. With a 39.8% fresh yield increase or a small yield decrease (-14.9%) in radish and peas, respectively, PP+CMP (50:50, v/v) mix provided microgreens of similar or higher nutritional quality than PP, suggesting the potential of substituting at least in part peat with CMP. Using locally available CMP in mix with PP could reduce the microgreens industry reliance on peat while reducing costs and improving the sustainability of the production of microgreens. Further research is needed to evaluate also the potential economic and environmental benefits of using locally available organic materials like CMP as alternative growing media and peat-substitute to produce microgreens.
Tightened social distancing measures and increased violence during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea
Authors: Kim Bookyoung , Son Kyung-Bok
Published: July 2023

Introduction

In 2020, the South Korean government introduced social distancing measures, varied by region, to address the pandemic. We captured variations in social distancing measures among regions in South Korea and investigated the association between the stringency of measures and the increased incidence of violence.

Methods

Incidence reports from calls to violence hotlines, including school and domestic violence and sexual harassment, from 2016 to 2021 were retrieved. The regional per capita incidence rates for each violence hotlines were calculated. Difference-in-difference design with fixed effects was used to elucidate different trends in the incidence rate of violence between regions with stringent social distancing measures and regions with looser measures.

Results

Social distancing measures led to a decreased incidence rate of school violence and an increased incidence rate of domestic violence and sexual harassment. Different trends in the incidence of violence were noted between regions with strict social distancing measures and regions with more lenient measures. Tightened measures caused surges in domestic violence and sexual harassment.

Conclusion

Social distancing measures have been an inevitable mitigation strategy against virus transmission throughout the pandemic. However, women residing in tightened social distancing measures, in particular urban areas, need more support against domestic violence.
The audience who knew too much: investigating the role of spontaneous theory of mind on the processing of dramatic irony scenes in film
Authors: Cabañas Cynthia , Senju Atsushi , Smith Tim J.
Published: July 2023

As in real life, cinema viewers rely on spontaneous theory of mind (SToM) to interpret characters' mental states. Thus, analyzing cinematic structures offers a unique opportunity to examine ecologically valid sociocognitive processes. We conducted a proof-of-concept study (N = 42) to explore how SToM inferences impact film event comprehension in dramatic irony scenes, where knowledge divergence exists between the audience and characters. We hypothesized that spectators would focus more on characters' mental states in such false-belief inducing scenarios compared to scenarios without such disparity. We used six Harold Lloyd silent comedy clips in a narrative comprehension and spontaneous mental state attribution study with a between-subject (Knowledge Manipulation: Installation vs. Control) and within-subject (Phase: Context vs. Exploitation) comparisons. We provided critical information unknown to the characters only to the Installation group and withheld it from the Control group. By comparing differences in participants' descriptions of the clips during the Context phase (varying across groups) and Exploitation phase (same across groups), we evaluated viewers' processing of the same scenes based on their false- or true-belief representations. Our findings indicate that the Installation group used more cognitive mental state words during the Exploitation phase relative to the Context phase, suggesting that exposure to undisclosed critical information enhances the frequency of spontaneous epistemic state inferences and integration into event models of the exploitation. This research advances neurocinematics by highlighting spontaneous sociocognitive processes in event perception and comprehension and provides a novel dramatic irony film corpus and measures for future moment-to-moment SToM processing studies across cognitive-behavioral, physiological, and neural levels.
Serum alkaline phosphatase was independently associated with depression in patients with cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Tao Xi , Yang Chen , He Juan , Liu Qianrong , Wu Siyuan , Tang Wenjing , Wang Jia
Published: July 2023

Background and purpose

Blood markers have important value in the diagnosis of depressive disorders. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) not only predicts stroke recurrence and poor functional prognosis in cerebrovascular disease (CVD) patients but also increases significantly in middle-aged women with depression. Thus, it has not been reported whether serum ALP is associated with the development of depression and/or vascular depression (VDe) in CVD patients.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 353 CVD patients (stroke patients, n = 291; cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) patients, n = 62). Baseline demographic information, fasting blood markers (such as blood counts, liver function, kidney function and lipids), and brain CT/MRI scans were collected. CVD patients were divided into non-depression, suspected vascular depression (SVD), and positive vascular depression (PVD) groups according to their Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) scores. Univariate analysis of baseline data, blood markers, and the prevalence of lesions (> 1.5 cm) was performed. Subsequently, the diagnostic performance of the univariate and combined variables for SVD and PVD was analyzed using binary logistic regression. The diagnostic value of the multivariate model for VDe was analyzed by ordinal logistic regression.

Results

(1) Serum ALP (p = 0.003) and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP, p = 0.001) concentrations increased as HAMD scores increased, and the prevalence of brain atrophy (p = 0.016) and lesions in the basal ganglia (p = 0.001) and parietal (p = 0.001), temporal (p = 0.002), and frontal lobes (p = 0.003) also increased, whereas the concentrations of hemoglobin (Hb, p = 0.003), cholinesterase (ChE, p = 0.001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, p = 0.005) declined. Among these variables, hs-CRP (r = 0.218, p < 0.001) had a weak positively association with HAMD scores, and ChE (r = −0.226, p < 0.001) had a weak negative association. (2) The combination of Hb, hs-CRP, ChE, ALP, and HDL-C improved diagnostic performance for VDe [AUC = 0.775, 95% CI (0.706, 0.844), p < 0.001]. (3) Hb (OR = 0.986, p = 0.049), ChE (OR = 0.999, p = 0.020), ALP (OR = 1.017, p = 0.003), and basal ganglia lesions (OR = 2.197, p < 0.001) were important factors impacting VDe development. After adjusting for Hb, hs-CRP, ChE, HDL-C, lesions in the above mentioned four locations, sex, age and the prevalence of CSVD and brain atrophy, ALP [OR = 1.016, 95% CI (1.005, 1.027), p = 0.004] was independently associated with VDe.

Conclusion

Hb, hs-CRP, ChE, ALP, and HDL-C concentrations are potential blood markers of depression in CVD patients and, when combined, may improve diagnostic performance for VDe. Serum ALP was independently associated with VDe in patients with CVD.
Mentalization based treatment of youth on the psychotic spectrum: clinical profiles and outcomes for youth in the ECID
Authors: Dangerfield Mark , Brotnow Decker Line
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Early intervention may significantly improve the prognosis associated with psychotic disorders in adulthood.

Methods

The present study examined the acceptability and effectiveness of a standalone intensive, in-home, mentalization-based treatment (MBT) for extremely high-risk, non-help-seeking youth on the psychotic spectrum [Equipo Clínico de Intervención a Domicilio (ECID), Home Intervention Clinical Team].

Results

Despite previously being unable to participate in treatment, more than 90% of youth engaged and those on the psychotic spectrum demonstrated slightly higher engagement than the general high-risk group (95% and 85%, respectively, X1 = 4.218, p = 0.049). Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models revealed no main group effect on the likelihood of reengaging with school over the first 12 months of treatment (X1 = 1.015, p = 0.314) when controlling for the duration of school absenteeism at intake. Overall, the percentage of school engagement rose from 12 to 55 over this period, more than 40% of the total sample experienced clinically reliable change and an additional 50% appeared clinically stable. No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in the average change in HoNOSCA total severity score (X1 = 0.249, p = 0.618) or the distribution of youth into categories of clinical change during the first year of treatment (X1 = 0.068, p = 0.795).

Discussion

The present findings suggest that a mentalization based intervention may be able to engage extremely high-risk youth in treatment and have clinically meaningful impact on symptom severity and functioning after 12 months.
A comparison of bioelectrical impedance analysis and air displacement plethysmography to assess body composition in children
Authors: Chen Fangfang , Wu Lijun , Chen Yiren , Wang Jing , Liu Junting , Huang Guimin , Hou Dongqing , Liao Zijun , Zhang Ting , Xie Xianghui , Liu Gongshu
Published: July 2023

Background

Accurate assessment of body composition (BC) is important to investigate the development of childhood obesity. A bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device is portable and inexpensive compared with air displacement plethysmography (ADP) for the assessment of BC and is widely used in children. However, studies of the effectiveness of BIA are few and present different results, especially in pediatric populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement between BIA and ADP for estimating BC.

Methods

The BC of 981 Chinese children (3–5 years) was measured using the BIA device (SeeHigher BAS-H, China) and ADP (BOD POD).

Results

Our results showed that BIA underestimated fat mass (FM) and overestimated fat-free mass (FFM) in normal weight children (P < 0.05), but the opposite trend was shown in children with obesity (P < 0.05). The agreement between FM and FFM measured by the two methods was strong (CCC > 0.80). The linear regression equation of 5-year-old children was constructed.

Conclusion

The SeeHigher BAS-H multi-frequency BIA device is a valid device to evaluate BC in Chinese preschool children compared with ADP (BOD POD), especially in 5-year-old children or children with obesity. Further research is needed to standardize the assessment of BC in children.
Serum acylcarnitines levels as a potential predictor for gestational diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Luo Hairong , Zhu Zanlei
Published: July 2023

Aims

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) stands as a prevalent obstetric complication bearing consequential health implications for both mother and child. While existing studies have probed the alterations in acylcarnitines during GDM, an updated systematic meta-analysis is needed to consolidate these findings. Hence, this study endeavours to furnish a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis delineating the association between acylcarnitines and GDM, aimed at bolstering diagnostic accuracy and preventive measures against GDM.

Methods

To extract pertinent studies for this meta-analysis, we meticulously scoured databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library up until May 2023. The inclusion criteria were studies contrasting plasma metabolomics between two cohorts: women diagnosed with GDM and normoglycemic pregnant women. Weighted mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. The I2 index was employed to quantify heterogeneity amongst the studies. All meta-analyses were executed using Stata version 12.0.

Results

Our meta-analysis included eight studies encompassing 878 pregnant women. The analysis disclosed that relative to normoglycemic pregnant women, women with GDM exhibited significantly elevated levels of Short-Chain Acylcarnitines (SCAC) (SMD: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.02–0.36, I2 = 71.3%). No substantial difference was discerned in fasting total carnitine levels (SMD: 0.15, 95% CI: −0.16–0.31, I2 = 68.2%), medium-chain acylcarnitines (MCAC) (SMD: 0.08, 95% CI: −0.02–0.36, I2 = 79.0%), and long-chain acylcarnitines (LCAC) (SMD: 0.04, 95% CI: −0.06–0.15, I2 = 0%). Neither funnel plot assessment nor Egger’s regression and Begg’s rank correlation tests indicated any evidence of publication bias.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis suggests that elevated levels of SCAC may heighten the risk of GDM onset. Given GDM’s deleterious impact on pregnant women and their offspring, these findings underscore the clinical imperative of managing this condition. Early surveillance of plasma metabolomic profiles, particularly serum acylcarnitine concentrations, may equip clinicians with a valuable tool for timely diagnosis and intervention in GDM.
Drift phase resolved diffusive radiation belt model: 1. Theoretical framework
Authors: Lejosne Solène , Albert Jay M.
Published: July 2023

Most physics-based models provide a coarse three-dimensional representation of radiation belt dynamics at low time resolution, of the order of a few drift periods. The description of the effect of trapped particle transport on radiation belt intensity is based on the random phase approximation, and it is in one dimension only: the third adiabatic invariant coordinate, akin to a phase-averaged radial distance. This means that these radiation belt models do not resolve the drift phase or, equivalently, the magnetic local time. Yet, in situ measurements suggest that radiation belt intensity frequently depends on magnetic local time, at least transiently, such as during active times. To include processes generating azimuthal variations in trapped particle fluxes and to quantify their relative importance in radiation belt energization, an improvement in the spatiotemporal resolution of the radiation belt models is required. The objective of this study is to pave the way for a new generation of diffusive radiation belt models capable of retaining drift phase information. Specifically, we highlight a two-dimensional equation for the effects of trapped particle transport on radiation belt intensity. With a theoretical framework that goes beyond the radial diffusion paradigm, the effects of trapped particle bulk motion, as well as diffusion, are quantified in terms of Euler potentials, α,β, quantities akin to the radial and azimuthal directions. This work provides the theoretical foundations underlying the drift phase resolved transport equation for radiation belt dynamics. It also brings forward the concept of azimuthal diffusion as a phase-mixing agent.
The transformative value chain: rethinking food system interventions
Authors: Mechri Aicha , Hanisch Markus , Hänke Hendrik
Published: July 2023

Food value chains (VC) are an integral part of food systems, and (VC) programs remain central in the work of development agencies. Despite their popularity among donors and their attempts to tackle food and nutrition security, poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability, food value chain interventions are at crossroads. The ongoing food system crisis has ultimately put a square emphasis on food as a nexus issue. The objective of this paper is to review the history and conceptual basics behind food VC development and to suggest changes in the way interventions are designed and implemented in order to face the current critical juncture of food systems. The paper reviews theoretical as well as empirical underpinnings of contemporary food value chain interventions. Three transformative concepts, i.e., system thinking, transformative capacity and strong sustainability, embedded within agroecological principals, are suggested to replace the traditional paradigm of the sustainable food VC development. A new, principle-based perspective on food value chain development, “the transformative value chain perspective,” is proposed to ensure that future VC promotion contribute to the necessary sustainability transformation of our food systems.
Exposure to Dichlorvos pesticide alters the morphology of and lipid metabolism in the ventral prostate of rats
Authors: Quintino-Ottonicar Giovanna Galo , Silva Laura Ribeiro da , Maria Vinícius Luís Rocha da Silva , Pizzo Eleonora Malavolta , Santana Ana Clara Pacheco de , Lenharo Naíra Ruiz , Pinho Cristiane Figueiredo , Pereira Sergio
Published: July 2023

Organophosphate pesticides are widely used in agriculture, leading to soil, water, and food contamination. Among these compounds is Dichlorvos [O,O-dimethyl O-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)phosphate, DDVP], which is listed as a highly toxic compound by the Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organization. Exposure to DDVP can result in nervous, respiratory, hepatic, and reproductive abnormalities, in addition to endocrine disrupting, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effects. Little is known about the impacts of DDVP on the reprogramming of lipid metabolism, which is also associated with the development and progression of cancer, since the tumor cells need to recruit, capture, and use fatty acids to compose their building membranes. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the pesticide DDVP on lipid metabolism in the prostate, after chemical induction by the carcinogen N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU). For this, 32 Fischer rats aged 90 days were randomly divided into four experimental groups: Control, DDVP, MNU, and MNU + DDVP. The MNU and MNU + DDVP groups underwent chemical induction with MNU (15 mg/kg) and the DDVP and MNU + DDVP groups received a diet supplemented with DDVP (10 mg/kg). Histopathological analyses of the rat ventral prostate showed 100% incidence of epithelial hyperplasia in the MNU and MNU + DDVP groups. This finding was accompanied by an increase of the epithelial compartment in the MNU + DDVP group. Immunolocalization of important proteins linked to lipid metabolism has been established. In the MNU + DDVP group, Western blotting analyses pointed out an increased expression of the protein LIMP II (Lysosomal Integral Membrane Protein-II), which is correlated with the capture and distribution of lipids in tumor cells. Together, these results indicate that the association of a low dose of DDVP with MNU was able to promote alterations in the morphology and lipid metabolism of the rat ventral prostate, which may be related to tumor progression in this organ.
Mechanical Properties of Solid Biomass as Affected by Moisture Content
Authors: Przywara Mateusz , Przywara Regina , Zapała Wojciech , Opaliński Ireneusz
Published: July 2023

The objective of the study was to examine the influence of moisture content on the mechanical properties of solid biomass, which is important for storage and handling. Mechanical properties involving powder flowability were determined with a Jenike shear tester. The materials tested were powdered biomass: sunflower husks, apple pomace, dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), and meat and bone meal. In static operations in which powdered biomass is generally under a significant load, such as in silos, moisture deteriorates the mechanical properties of biomass and increases its cohesion. In the case of DDGS, an additional slight decrease in stress was observed for samples with the highest moisture content, which was above 20%. For meat and bone meal and sunflower husks, a lubrication phenomenon was clearly observed, in which biomass samples with increased moisture content manifested better flowability, requiring lower boundary shear stresses than less moist samples. For apple pomace samples, with normal stresses above 50 kPa, the addition of moisture above 10% did not change the values of the observed shear stresses, indicating the stability of their properties. The use of powdered biomass with higher moisture contents, at above 10%, should be avoided, as such material can lead to overhangs in tanks and silos.