bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin K Vitamers Differently Affect Energy Metabolism in IPEC-J2 Cells
Authors: Bernardini Chiara , Algieri Cristina , La Mantia Debora , Trombetti Fabiana , Pagliarani Alessandra , Forni Monica , Nesci Salvatore
Published: May 2021

The fat-soluble vitamin K (VK) has long been known as a requirement for blood coagulation, but like other vitamins, has been recently recognized to play further physiological roles, particularly in cell development and homeostasis. Vertebrates cannot de novo synthesize VK, which is essential, and it can only be obtained from the diet or by the activity of the gut microbiota. The IPEC-J2 cell line, obtained from porcine small intestine, which shows strong similarities to the human one, represents an excellent functional model to in vitro study the effect of compounds at the intestinal level. The acute VK treatments on the bioenergetic features of IPEC-J2 cells were evaluated by Seahorse XP Agilent technology. VK exists in different structurally related forms (vitamers), all featured by a naphtoquinone moiety, but with distinct effects on IPEC-J2 energy metabolism. The VK1, which has a long hydrocarbon chain, at both concentrations (5 and 10 μM), increases the cellular ATP production due to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) by 5% and by 30% through glycolysis. The VK2 at 5 μM only stimulates ATP production by OXPHOS. Conversely, 10 μM VK3, which lacks the long side chain, inhibits OXPHOS by 30% and glycolysis by 45%. However, even if IPEC-J2 cells mainly prefer OXPHOS to glycolysis to produce ATP, the OXPHOS/glycolysis ratio significantly decreases in VK1-treated cells, is unaffected by VK2, and only significantly increased by 10 μM VK3. VK1, at the two concentrations tested, does not affect the mitochondrial bioenergetic parameters, while 5 μM VK2 increases and 5 μM VK3 reduces the mitochondrial respiration (i.e., maximal respiration and spare respiratory capacity). Moreover, 10 μM VK3 impairs OXPHOS, as shown by the increase in the proton leak, namely the proton backward entry to the matrix space, thus pointing out mitochondrial toxicity. Furthermore, in the presence of both VK1 and VK2 concentrations, the glycolytic parameters, namely the glycolytic capacity and the glycolytic reserve, are unaltered. In contrast, the inhibition of glycoATP production by VK3 is linked to the 80% inhibition of glycolysis, resulting in a reduced glycolytic capacity and reserve. These data, which demonstrate the VK ability to differently modulate IPEC-J2 cell energy metabolism according to the different structural features of the vitamers, can mirror VK modulatory effects on the cell membrane features and, as a cascade, on the epithelial cell properties and gut functions: balance of salt and water, macromolecule cleavage, detoxification of harmful compounds, and nitrogen recycling.
Is There Any Association Between Neurodegenerative Diseases and Periodontitis? A Systematic Review
Authors: Alvarenga María Olimpia Paz , Frazão Deborah Ribeiro , Matos Isabella Gomes de , Bittencourt Leonardo Oliveira , Fagundes Nathália Carolina Fernandes , Rösing Cassiano Kuchenbecker , Maia Lucianne Cople , Lima Rafael Rodrigues
Published: May 2021

Background: Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of progressive disorders that affect the central nervous system (CNS) such as Alzheimer, Parkinson, and multiple sclerosis. Inflammation plays a critical role in the onset and progression of these injuries. Periodontitis is considered an inflammatory disease caused by oral biofilms around the tooth-supporting tissues, leading to a systemic and chronic inflammatory condition. Thus, this systematic review aimed to search for evidence in the association between neurodegenerative disorders and periodontitis.

Methods: This systematic review was registered at International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the code CRD 42016038327. The search strategy was performed in three electronic databases and one gray literature source—PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and OpenGrey, based on the PECO acronym: observational studies in humans (P) in which a neurodegenerative disease was present (E) or absent (C) to observe an association with periodontitis (O). The Fowkes and Fulton checklist was used to critically appraise the methodological quality and the risk of bias of individual studies. The quality of evidence was assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results: From 534 articles found, 12 were included, of which eight were case–control, three were cross-sectional, and one was a cohort, giving a total of 3,460 participants. All the included studies reported an association between some neurodegenerative diseases and periodontitis and presented a low risk of bias. According to the GRADE approach, the level of evidence of probing pocket depth was considered very low due to the significant heterogeneity across the studies' upgrading imprecision and inconsistency.

Conclusions: Although all the included studies in this review reported an association between neurodegenerative diseases and periodontitis, the level of evidence was classified to be very low, which suggests a cautious interpretation of the results.
Molecular Characterization of Superficial Layers of the Presubiculum During Development
Authors: Liu Jiayan , Kashima Tetsuhiko , Morikawa Shota , Noguchi Asako , Ikegaya Yuji , Matsumoto Nobuyoshi
Published: May 2021

The presubiculum, a subarea of the parahippocampal region, plays a critical role in spatial navigation and spatial representation. An outstanding aspect of presubicular spatial codes is head-direction selectivity of the firing of excitatory neurons, called head-direction cells. Head-direction selectivity emerges before eye-opening in rodents and is maintained in adulthood through neurophysiological interactions between excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Although the presubiculum has been physiologically profiled in terms of spatial representation during development, the histological characteristics of the developing presubiculum are poorly understood. We found that the expression of vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGluT2) could be used to delimit the superficial layers of the presubiculum, which was identified using an anterograde tracer injected into the anterior thalamic nucleus (ATN). Thus, we immunostained slices from mice ranging in age from neonates to adults using an antibody against VGluT2 to evaluate the VGluT2-positive area, which was identified as the superficial layers of the presubiculum, during development. We also immunostained the slices using antibodies against parvalbumin (PV) and somatostatin (SOM) and found that in the presubicular superficial layers, PV-positive neurons progressively increased in number during development, whereas SOM-positive neurons exhibited no increasing trend. In addition, we observed repeating patch structures in presubicular layer III from postnatal days 12. The abundant expression of VGluT2 suggests that the presubicular superficial layers are regulated primarily by VGluT2-mediated excitatory neurotransmission. Moreover, developmental changes in the densities of PV- and SOM-positive interneurons and the emergence of the VGluT2-positive patch structures during adolescence may be associated with the functional development of spatial codes in the superficial layers of the presubiculum.
Event-Based Trajectory Prediction Using Spiking Neural Networks
Authors: Debat Guillaume , Chauhan Tushar , Cottereau Benoit R. , Masquelier Timothée , Paindavoine Michel , Baures Robin
Published: May 2021

In recent years, event-based sensors have been combined with spiking neural networks (SNNs) to create a new generation of bio-inspired artificial vision systems. These systems can process spatio-temporal data in real time, and are highly energy efficient. In this study, we used a new hybrid event-based camera in conjunction with a multi-layer spiking neural network trained with a spike-timing-dependent plasticity learning rule. We showed that neurons learn from repeated and correlated spatio-temporal patterns in an unsupervised way and become selective to motion features, such as direction and speed. This motion selectivity can then be used to predict ball trajectory by adding a simple read-out layer composed of polynomial regressions, and trained in a supervised manner. Hence, we show that a SNN receiving inputs from an event-based sensor can extract relevant spatio-temporal patterns to process and predict ball trajectories.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging Correlates of Concussion Related Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Gonzalez Angelica C. , Kim Minseon , Keser Zafer , Ibrahim Lamya , Singh Sonia K. , Ahmad Mohammed J. , Hasan Omar , Kamali Arash , Hasan Khader M. , Schulz Paul E.
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Cognitive impairment after concussion has been widely reported, but there is no reliable imaging biomarker that predicts the severity of cognitive decline post-concussion. This study tests the hypothesis that patients with a history of concussion and persistent cognitive impairment have fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) that are specifically associated with poor performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).

Methods: Fifty-three subjects (19 females) with concussions and persistent cognitive symptoms had MR imaging and the MoCA. Imaging was analyzed by atlas-based, whole-brain DTI segmentation and FLAIR lesion segmentation. Then, we conducted a random forest-based recursive feature elimination (RFE) with 10-fold cross-validation on the entire dataset, and with partial correlation adjustment for age and lesion load.

Results: RFE showed that 11 DTI variables were found to be important predictors of MoCA scores. Partial correlation analyses, corrected for age and lesion load, showed significant correlations between MoCA scores and right fronto-temporal regions: inferior temporal gyrus MD (r = −0.62, p = 0.00001), middle temporal gyrus MD (r = −0.54, p = 0.0001), angular gyrus MD (r = −0.48, p = 0.0008), and inferior frontal gyrus FA (r = 0.44, p = 0.002).

Discussion: This is the first study to demonstrate a correlation between MoCA scores and DTI variables in patients with a history of concussion and persistent cognitive impairment. This kind of research will significantly increase our understanding of why certain persons have persistent cognitive changes after concussion which, in turn, may allow us to predict persistent impairment after concussion and suggest new interventions.
Comparison of Long-Term Outcomes of Monotherapy and Polytherapy in Seizure-Free Patients With Epilepsy Following Antiseizure Medication Withdrawal
Authors: Wang Yuxuan , Xia Li , Li Rong , Li Yudan , Li Jingyi , Zhou Qin , Pan Songqing
Published: May 2021

Objective: The objectives of this study were to compare the risk and timing of seizure relapse in seizure-free patients with epilepsy following the withdrawal of monotherapy or polytherapy and to identify relevant influencing factors.

Methods: Patients who had achieved at least a 2-year seizure remission and started the withdrawal of antiseizure medication (ASM) were enrolled in this study. All patients were followed for at least 3 years or until seizure relapse. According to the number of ASMs at the time of withdrawalwas about twice than that, patients were divided into two groups: monotherapy group and polytherapy group. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to compare the recurrence risk of the two groups. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to analyze potential confounding variables between patients treated with monotherapy and polytherapy.

Results: A total of 188 patients (119 males and 69 females) were included. The average prescribed daily dose of most ASMs at the time of withdrawal was moderate or low (30–50% defined daily dose). The recurrence of most patients (89.2%) occurred within the first 3 years after withdrawal. The recurrence risk in patients treated with polytherapy at the time of withdrawal was about twice than that of the monotherapy group [p = 0.001, hazard ratio (HR) = 2.152, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.350–3.428]. Multivariate analysis showed that patients treated with polytherapy were significantly older at seizure onset [p = 0.024, odd ratio (OR) = 1.027, 95% CI = 1.004–1.052] and had a significantly longer duration of epilepsy before treatment (p = 0.004, OR = 1.009, 95% CI = 1.003–1.015) compared to patients in the monotherapy group. In addition, a history of perinatal injury was found to be an independent risk factor of seizure relapse in patients with ASM withdrawal.

Conclusion: The average prescribed daily dose of most ASMs at the time of withdrawal was moderate or low. Patients who received polytherapy at the time of withdrawal, particularly those with later seizure onset age and longer epilepsy duration before treatment, had a higher recurrence risk after ASMs withdrawal compared to patients treated with monotherapy.
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma at CT: A Combined Nomogram Model to Preoperatively Predict Cancer Stage and Survival Outcome
Authors: Cen Chunyuan , Liu Liying , Li Xin , Wu Ailan , Liu Huan , Wang Xinrong , Wu Heshui , Wang Chunyou , Han Ping , Wang Siqi
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To construct a nomogram model that combines clinical characteristics and radiomics signatures to preoperatively discriminate pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in stage I-II and III-IV and predict overall survival.

Methods

A total of 135 patients with histopathologically confirmed PDAC who underwent contrast-enhanced CT were included. A total of 384 radiomics features were extracted from arterial phase (AP) or portal venous phase (PVP) images. Four steps were used for feature selection, and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to build radiomics signatures and combined nomogram model. Performance of the proposed model was assessed by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA). Kaplan-Meier analysis was applied to analyze overall survival in the stage I-II and III-IV PDAC groups.

Results

The AP+PVP radiomics signature showed the best performance among the three radiomics signatures [training cohort: area under the curve (AUC) = 0.919; validation cohort: AUC = 0.831]. The combined nomogram model integrating AP+PVP radiomics signature with clinical characteristics (tumor location, carcinoembryonic antigen level, and tumor maximum diameter) demonstrated the best discrimination performance (training cohort: AUC = 0.940; validation cohort: AUC = 0.912). Calibration curves and DCA verified the clinical usefulness of the combined nomogram model. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that overall survival of patients in the predicted stage I-II PDAC group was longer than patients in stage III-IV PDAC group (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

We propose a combined model with excellent performance for the preoperative, individualized, noninvasive discrimination of stage I-II and III-IV PDAC and prediction of overall survival.
Effect of 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 on the Radiation Response in Prostate Cancer: Association With IL-6 Signaling
Authors: Wu Chun-Te , Huang Yun-Ching , Chen Wen-Cheng , Chen Miao-Fen
Published: May 2021

Radiotherapy (RT) is the main treatment modality for prostate cancer (PCa). This study investigated the role of IL-6 in biological sequelae following irradiation and highlighted the effects of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) on the radiation response of PCa and its relationship with IL-6 signaling. Human and murine PCa cell lines were used to examine the response to irradiation in vitro and in vivo. The relationship of IL-6 expression with clinicopathologic characteristics in 104 PCa patients treated with definite RT was also examined. We also investigated the changes in radiation response after calcitriol supplementation and the relationship between calcitriol and IL-6 signaling by conducting cellular and animal experiments. Based on clinical samples, the positivity of IL-6 staining is a significant predictor of biochemical failure-free survival for PCa patients treated with definite RT. Data from preclinical models showed that inhibition of IL-6 increased the response of PCa to radiation, which was associated with increased oxidative DNA damage, attenuated EMT and MDSC recruitment, and decreased tumor regrowth. Moreover, increased vitamin D3 levels by calcitriol supplementation or induction by UVB-radiation was associated with inhibited IL-6 signaling and increased the response to irradiation observed in animal models. These data demonstrate that IL-6 play a critical role in the radiation response of PCa, which involved tumor cell killing and altering the tumor microenvironment. Directly targeting IL-6 signaling or vitamin D3 supplement with oral or light treatment could be a promising strategy to increase the response of PCa to radiation.
Body Composition Parameters May Be Prognostic Factors in Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Treated by Radical Nephroureterectomy
Authors: Pan Yulong , Chen Zeyu , Yang Lanqing , Wang Xingyuan , Yi Zeng , Zhou Liang , Chen Yongjiang , Yang Lu , Zhuo Hui , Bao Yige , Wei Qiang
Published: May 2021

Objective

This study assessed the association between body composition and prognosis of patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) patients treated by radical nephroureterectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively collected baseline data on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes, and tumor-related factors. Computed tomography (CT) scans were performed to measure body composition parameters such as muscle attenuation (MA), total abdominal muscle area (TAMA), visceral fat area (VFA), intermuscular fat area (IMF), and lateral/posterior perirenal fat thickness (L/P PNF), visceral fat density (VD), and subcutaneous fat density (SD). Patient follow-up was conducted via telephone or in the clinic. The endpoints of follow-up were all-cause death, local progression or distant metastasis. Survival analysis was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and risk factors associated with prognosis were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses.

Results

Among the 273 UTUC patients (median age, 68 years) enrolled in our study, 102 had a BMI > 24.0, 100 suffered from diabetes, and 120 had hypertension. A large proportion of patients (189) had high grade tumors. Across all patients, 1- and 3-year rates for overall survival were 86.45% and 75.55%; local progression-free survival, 92.11% and 89.67%; and distant metastasis-free survival, 85.23% and 80.17%. Based on the Cox regression analysis, MA, IMF, TAMA, TPA, TPT, APT, SMI and PMI significantly reduced the risk of local progression (p < 0.05), while PPNF = 1 point reduced the risk of distant metastasis (p < 0.05). Overall survival was significantly associated with MA, TAMA, and SMI (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings illustrate that body composition parameters can act as independent predictors of prognosis in UTUC patients who underwent RNU. These results can help improve stratification of patients and optimize postoperative treatment.
Comparison of the Efficacy of S-1 Plus Oxaliplatin or Capecitabine Plus Oxaliplatin for Six and Eight Chemotherapy Cycles as Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients With Stage II-III Gastric Cancer After D2 Resection
Authors: Yu Yuanyuan , Zhang Zicheng , Meng Qianhao , Ma Yue , Fan Xiaona , Sun Jie , Wang Guangyu
Published: May 2021

Objective

To compare the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy with six or eight cycles of S-1 plus oxaliplatin (SOX) or Capecitabine plus oxaliplatin (XELOX) after D2 resection of GC.

Design and participants

We collected 470 cases of patients with TNM stage II and III GC who underwent D2 gastrectomy in the Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital from January 2007 to December 2017 and received six or eight cycles of SOX or XELOX regimen. This study was designed to evaluate the prognosis of patients receiving six or eight cycles of SOX or XELOX chemotherapy and identify the appropriate number of chemotherapy cycles.

Results

Among the 470 study participants [340 (72.3%) males; median age, 50 years (range, 24-76 years)], 355 and 115 received XELOX or SOX regimen chemotherapy, respectively. The number of 152 patients included in this study who received 6 and 8 cycles of chemotherapy in stage II and stage III without considering chemotherapy regimens were 125 and 27. The median DFS was, respectively, 14.9 months and 26.8 months (P = 0.08), the median OS was, respectively, 30.2 months and 30.8 months (P = 0.5), the difference was not statistically significant. Comprehensive survival analysis of XELOX and SOX group showed no significant difference for DFS (P = 0.29) and OS (P = 0.61). The total number of stage III GC patients who received six and eight cycles of chemotherapy was 92 and 19, respectively. The median DFS of patients who received six and eight cycles of chemotherapy was 14.6 and 23.2 months (P = 0.3), respectively. The median OS of patients who received six and eight cycles of chemotherapy was 26 and 30.6 months (P = 0.9), respectively. Comprehensive analysis of DFS (P=0.73) and OS (P=0.6) shows no difference between the XELOX group SOX groups. Subgroup analysis revealed significant differences in the gender (P = 0.05) and histological classification (P < 0.05) distribution.

Conclusion

Regardless of the XELOX regimen or the SOX regimen, similar survival benefits are observed in patients receiving six or eight chemotherapy cycles irrespective of the regimen used. The XELOX and SOX regimens are well tolerated in patients undergoing D2 resection of GC.
Astragaloside IV Attenuates the Myocardial Injury Caused by Adriamycin by Inhibiting Autophagy
Authors: Luo Li-Fei , Qin Lu-Yun , Wang Jian-Xin , Guan Peng , Wang Na , Ji En-Sheng
Published: May 2021

Astragaloside IV (ASIV) is the main active component of Astragalus, and can ameliorate cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, apoptosis and fibrosis. In this experiment, we studied how ASIV reduces the cardiotoxicity caused by adriamycin and protects the heart. To this end, rats were randomly divided into the control, ADR, ADR + ASIV and ASIV groups (n = 6). Echocardiography was used to observe cardiac function, HE staining was used to observe myocardial injury, TUNEL staining was used to observe myocardial cell apoptosis, and immunofluorescence and Western blotting was used to observe relevant proteins expression. Experiments have shown that adriamycin can damage heart function in rats, and increase the cell apoptosis index, autophagy level and oxidative stress level. Further results showed that ADR can inhibit the PI3K/Akt pathway. ASIV treatment can significantly improve the cardiac function of rats treated with ADR and regulate autophagy, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Our findings indicate that ASIV may reduce the heart damage caused by adriamycin by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Study on the Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Different Rock Types and Its Fracture Mechanism in Brazilian Splitting Test
Authors: Shengxiang Li , Qin Xie , Xiling Liu , Xibing Li , Yu Luo , Daolong Chen
Published: May 2021

In order to investigate the relationship between rock microfracture mechanism and acoustic emission (AE) signal characteristic parameters under split loads, the MTS322 servo-controlled rock mechanical test system was employed to carry out the Brazilian split tests on granite, marble, sandstone, and limestone, while FEI Quanta-200 scanning electron microscope system was employed to carry out the analysis of fracture morphology. The results indicate that different scales of mineral particle, mineral composition, and discontinuity have influence on the fracture characteristics of rock, as well as the b-value. The peak frequency distribution of the AE signal has obvious zonal features, and these distinct peak frequencies of four types of rock fall mostly in ranges of 0–100 kHz, 100–300 kHz, and above 300 kHz. Due to the different rock properties and mineral compositions, the proportions of peak frequencies in these intervals are also different among the four rocks, which are also acting on the b-value. In addition, for granite, the peak frequencies of AE signals are mostly distributed above 300 kHz for granite, marble, and limestone, which mainly derive from the internal fracture of k-feldspar minerals; for marble, the AE signals with peak frequency are mostly distributed in over 300 kHz, which mainly derive from the internal fracture of dolomite minerals and calcite minerals; AE signals for sandstone are mostly distributed in the range of 0–100 kHz, which mainly derive from the internal fracture of quartz minerals; for limestone, the AE signals with peak frequency are mostly distributed in over 300 kHz, which mainly derive from the internal fracture of granular-calcite minerals. The relationship between acoustic emission signal frequency of rock fracture and the fracture scale is constructed through experiments, which is of great help for in-depth understanding of the scaling relationship of rock fracture.
Time-Reversal Symmetry Breaking in Re-Based Superconductors: Recent Developments
Authors: Shang Tian , Shiroka Toni
Published: May 2021

In the recent search for unconventional- and topological superconductivity, noncentrosymmetric superconductors (NCSCs) rank among the most promising candidate materials. Surprisingly, some of them—especially those containing rhenium—seem to exhibit also time-reversal symmetry (TRS) breaking in their superconducting state, while TRS is preserved in many other isostructural NCSCs. To date, a satisfactory explanation for such discrepant behavior, albeit crucial for understanding the unconventional superconductivity of these materials, is still missing. Here we review the most recent developments regarding the Re-based class, where the muon-spin relaxation (μSR) technique plays a key role due to its high sensitivity to the weak internal fields associated with the TRS breaking phenomenon. We discuss different cases of Re-containing superconductors, comprising both centrosymmetric- and noncentrosymmetric crystal structures, ranging from pure rhenium, to ReT (T = 3d-5d early transition metals), to the dilute-Re case of ReBe22. μSR results suggest that the rhenium presence and its amount are two key factors for the appearance and the extent of TRS breaking in Re-based superconductors. Besides summarizing the existing findings, we also put forward future research ideas regarding the exciting field of materials showing TRS breaking.
Yield Response and Physiological Adaptation of Green Bean to Photovoltaic Greenhouses
Authors: Cossu Marco , Sirigu Antonella , Deligios Paola A. , Farci Roberta , Carboni Gianluca , Urracci Giulia , Ledda Luigi
Published: May 2021

The cultivation of the horticultural crops inside photovoltaic greenhouses (PVG) should be studied in relation to the shading cast by the photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof. This work evaluated the green bean cultivation inside PVGs with a percentage of the greenhouse area covered with PV panels (PV cover ratio, PVR) ranging from 25 to 100%. Three dwarf green bean cycles (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. Valentino) were conducted inside an iron–plastic PVG with a PVR of 50%. The average yield was 31% lower than a conventional greenhouse. Adverse effects on quality were noticed under the PV roof, including a reduction of pod weight, size, and caliber. Negative net photosynthetic assimilation rates were observed on the plants under the PV roof, which adapted by relocating more resources to the stems, increasing the specific leaf area (SLA), leaf area ratio (LAR), and the radiation use efficiency (RUE). The fresh yield increased by 0.44% for each additional 1% of cumulated PAR. Based on the linear regressions between measured yield and cumulated PAR, a limited yield reduction of 16% was calculated inside a PVG with maximum PVR of 25%, whereas an average yield loss of 52% can occur with a PVR of 100%. The economic trade-off between energy and green bean yield can be achieved with a PVR of 10%. The same experimental approach can be used as a decision support tool to identify other crops suitable for cultivation inside PVGs and assess the agricultural sustainability of the mixed system.
Validation of a Triplex Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for Detection and Quantification of Traditional Protein Sources, Pisum sativum L. and Glycine max (L.) Merr., in Protein Powder Mixtures
Authors: Faller Adam C. , Shanmughanandhan Dhivya , Ragupathy Subramanyam , Zhang Yanjun , Lu Zhengfei , Chang Peter , Swanson Gary , Newmaster Steven G.
Published: May 2021

Several botanicals have been traditionally used as protein sources, including the leguminous Pisum sativum L. and Glycine max (L.) Merr. While a rich history exists of cultivating these plants for their whole, protein-rich grain, modern use as powdered supplements present a new challenge in material authentication. The absence of clear morphological identifiers of an intact plant and the existence of long, complex supply chains behoove industry to create quick, reliable analytical tools to identify the botanical source of a protein product (many of which contain multiple sources). The utility of molecular tools for plant-based protein powder authentication is gaining traction, but few validated tools exist. Multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) can provide an economical means by which sources can be identified and relative proportions quantified. We followed established guidelines for the design, optimization, and validation of qPCR assay, and developed a triplex qPCR assay that can amplify and quantify pea and soy DNA targets, normalized by a calibrator. The assay was evaluated for analytical specificity, analytical sensitivity, efficiency, precision, dynamic range, repeatability, and reproducibility. We tested the quantitative ability of the assay using pea and soy DNA mixtures, finding exceptional quantitative linearity for both targets – 0.9983 (p < 0.0001) for soy and 0.9915 (p < 0.0001) for pea. Ratios based on mass of protein powder were also tested, resulting in non-linear patterns in data that suggested the requirement of further sample preparation optimization or algorithmic correction. Variation in fragment size within different lots of commercial protein powder samples was also analyzed, revealing low SD among lots. Ultimately, this study demonstrated the utility of qPCR in the context of protein powder mixtures and highlighted key considerations to take into account for commercial implementation.
Improving Teamwork Competencies in Human-Machine Teams: Perspectives From Team Science
Authors: Stowers Kimberly , Brady Lisa L. , MacLellan Christopher , Wohleber Ryan , Salas Eduardo
Published: May 2021

In response to calls for research to improve human-machine teaming (HMT), we present a “perspective” paper that explores techniques from computer science that can enhance machine agents for human-machine teams. As part of this paper, we (1) summarize the state of the science on critical team competencies identified for effective HMT, (2) discuss technological gaps preventing machines from fully realizing these competencies, and (3) identify ways that emerging artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities may address these gaps and enhance performance in HMT. We extend beyond extant literature by incorporating recent technologies and techniques and describing their potential for contributing to the advancement of HMT.
Clinical and Objective Cognitive Measures for the Diagnosis of Cognitive Frailty Subtypes: A Comparative Study
Authors: Ruan Qingwei , Zhang Weibin , Ruan Jian , Chen Jie , Yu Zhuowei
Published: May 2021

Background

Cognitive frailty (CF) includes reversible and potentially reversible subtypes; the former is known as concurrent physical frailty (PF) and pre-mild cognitive impairment subjective cognitive decline (pre-MCI SCD), whereas the latter is known as concurrent PF and MCI. The diagnoses of pre-MCI SCD and MCI are based on clinical criteria and various subjective cognitive decline questionnaires. Heterogeneous assessment of cognitive impairment (CI) results in significant variability of CI, CF, and their subtype prevalence in various population-based studies.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the classification differences in CI and CF subtypes from PF and normal cognition by applying clinical and objective cognitive criteria. Clinical criteria comprised Fried PF and clinical MCI criteria combined with the SCD questionnaire, whereas objective criteria comprised Fried PF and objective cognitive criteria based on the norm-adjusted six neuropsychological test scores.

Methods

Of the 335 volunteers (age ≥ 60 years) in this study, 191 were diagnosed with CI based on clinical cognitive diagnosis criteria, and 144 were identified as robust normal based on objective cognitive assessment from the community-dwelling older adult cohort. Individuals with clinical CI, including 94 with MCI and 97 with pre-MCI SCD, were reclassified into different z-score-derived MCI, pre-MCI SCD, and normal subgroups based on objective cognitive criteria. The classification diagnostic accuracy of normal cognition, PF, pre-MCI, MCI, CF, and CF subtypes based on clinical and objective criteria was compared before and after adjusting for age, sex, and education level.

Results

The reclassification of objective assessments indicated better performance than that of clinical assessments in terms of discerning CI severity among different subgroups before adjusting for demographic factors. After covariate adjustment, clinical assessments significantly improved the ability to cognitively discriminate normal individuals from those with pre-MCI SCD and MCI but not the z-score-derived pre-MCI SCD and MCI groups from the robust normal group. Furthermore, the adjustment did not improve the ability to discriminate among individuals with reversible CF from those with potentially reversible CF and pre-MCI only SCD from MCI only SCD.

Conclusions

Objective criteria showed better performance than clinical criteria in the diagnosis of individuals with CI or CF subtypes. Rapid clinical cognitive screening in combination with normative z-scores criteria is cost effective and sustainable in clinical practice.
Traffic Noise Annoyance in the Population of North Mexico: Case Study on the Daytime Period in the City of Matamoros
Authors: Zamorano-González Benito , Pena-Cardenas Fabiola , Velázquez-Narváez Yolanda , Parra-Sierra Víctor , Vargas-Martínez José Ignacio , Monreal-Aranda Oscar , Ruíz-Ramos Lucía
Published: May 2021

Aim: The presence of noise in urban environments is rarely considered a factor that causes damage to the environment. The primary generating source is transportation means, with vehicles being the ones that affect cities the most. Traffic noise has a particular influence on the quality of life of those who are exposed to it and can cause health alterations ranging from annoyance to cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to describe the relationship between the traffic noise level and the perceived annoyance in the inhabitants of a city on the Northern Border of Mexico. The work carried out in a city represents the vulnerability characteristics: economic, social, and migratory of its sizable portion of the inhabitants. Due to that, it is impossible to identify precisely the number of residents as the number of vehicles in circulation.

Methods: The streets and avenues with an annual average daily traffic of more than 1,000 vehicles were considered for the measurement of traffic noise. The equipment used was a vehicle gauge with non-invasive speed radar; type I integrating sound level meters, with their respective gauges and tripods. A questionnaire was applied to people living within 250 m of the streets and avenues in which the noise was measured.

Results: The noise measurement found a parameter of LAeq estimated for 12 h during the day, exceeding 70 dBA. The data received from the questionnaire were statistically tested by using Pearson's correlation tests. A total number of 2,350 people were participated, of whom 1,378 were women (58.6%) and 972 were men (41.4%). The age of participants is ranged from 18 to 75 years. The overall perception of traffic noise annoyance identified that 1,131 participants (48.1%) responded “Yes” as they considered the noise annoying. Participants who responded “No” as well as those who responded “Do not know” resulted in a total of 1,219 people (51.9%).

Conclusion: The results show that the population is desensitized to traffic noise and does not perceive it as an annoyance. The flow of vehicles and the type of vehicles are the significant factors for the propagation and increase in the traffic noise levels. Women present a considerable appreciation of traffic noise perception instead of younger people who demonstrate a higher tolerance to high-level exposure. This reflects the lack of information of the population around the noise problem and its effects.
Social Media, Depressive Symptoms and Well-Being in Early Adolescence. The Moderating Role of Emotional Self-Efficacy and Gender
Authors: Calandri Emanuela , Graziano Federica , Rollé Luca
Published: May 2021

The study of the psychological effects of social media use on adolescents’ adjustment has long been the focus of psychological research, but results are still inconclusive. In particular, there is a lack of research on the positive and negative developmental outcomes and on possible moderating variables, especially concerning early adolescence. To fill these gaps in literature, the present study longitudinally investigated the relationships between social media use, depressive symptoms, affective well-being and life satisfaction, as well as the moderating role of emotional self-efficacy and gender. The study involved 336 Italian early adolescents (mean age = 13, sd = 0.3; 48% girls) who completed an anonymous self-report questionnaire twice within a year. Main results showed that higher social media use was related to higher depressive symptoms, lower affective well-being and lower life satisfaction among girls with lower emotional self-efficacy. Conversely, high social media use was related to higher affective well-being and higher life satisfaction for girls with higher emotional self-efficacy. Results are discussed in relation to their implications for risk prevention and health promotion among early adolescents. In particular, our results suggest that promoting emotional self-efficacy can be very helpful in making the use of social media an opportunity for well-being and life satisfaction rather than a developmental risk.
The Effect of Smartphone App-Use Patterns on the Performance of Professional Golfers
Authors: Lee Jea Woog , Nam Jae Jun , Kang Kyung Doo , Han Doug Hyun
Published: May 2021

Smartphone app-use patterns will predict professional golfers’ athletic performance, and the use time of serious apps would be associated with improved performance. This longitudinal 4-week observation of 79 professional golfers assessed golf handicaps and smartphone app-use patterns at the start of the Korean professional golf season and 2 and 4 weeks later. We classified use as social networking, entertainment, serious apps, and others. Use time of entertainment apps increased for non-improved golfers but did not change for improved golfers. Use time of serious apps increased for improved golfers and decreased for non-improved ones. Changes in golf handicaps were positively correlated with changes in entertainment app use time and negatively correlated with changes in serious app use time. Professional golfers’ sports performance was not associated with smartphone use time but was with the smartphone app type. The management of smartphone app-use patterns is important for professional golfers’ performance.
Design of a Mobile Application and Evaluation of Its Effects on Psychological Parameters of Covid-19 Inpatients: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Aalaei Shokoufeh , Khoshrounejad Farnaz , Saleh Lahya Afshari , Amini Mahnaz
Published: May 2021

Background: Panic of the disease and the associated concerns can lower the quality of life and physical performance. As long as the COVID-19 pandemic is ever on the rise, the psychological pandemic of the disease is on the rise, too. The high prevalence of COVID-19 has further increased physicians' work pressure. Patients' needs are not met adequately by physicians. It seems essential to use aids to monitor patients' needs and serve them properly. Thus, in the present research, suggestions are made on how to evaluate patients' physical and psychological conditions during the treatment via a mobile application.

Methods and Analysis: The present research is a randomized, two parallel-group, controlled trial. One-hundred-twelve inpatients diagnosed with the coronavirus will be assigned randomly to the control and intervention groups. In the intervention group, a mobile application will be provided to educate patients, establish two-way interactions between patients and care providers and record patients' symptoms. Those in the control group will receive the usual care. The primary outcome is the change to the depression anxiety stress scales-21 (DASS-21) score from the baseline to 2 weeks after discharge from hospital. It will be measured at the baseline, at the time of discharge, and two weeks later.

Ethics and Dissemination: The Ethics committee of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences' approval date was 2020-04-19 with IR.MUMS.REC.1399.118 reference code. Thus far, participants' recruitment has not been completed and is scheduled to end in March 2021. The results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial Registration: IRCT20170922036314N4 (https://www.irct.ir/trial/47383).
Digital Phenotyping of Emotion Dysregulation Across Lifespan Transitions to Better Understand Psychopathology Risk
Authors: Vlisides-Henry Robert D. , Gao Mengyu , Thomas Leah , Kaliush Parisa R. , Conradt Elisabeth , Crowell Sheila E.
Published: May 2021

Ethical and consensual digital phenotyping through smartphone activity (i. e., passive behavior monitoring) permits measurement of temporal risk trajectories unlike ever before. This data collection modality may be particularly well-suited for capturing emotion dysregulation, a transdiagnostic risk factor for psychopathology, across lifespan transitions. Adolescence, emerging adulthood, and perinatal transitions are particularly sensitive developmental periods, often marked by increased distress. These participant groups are typically assessed with laboratory-based methods that can be costly and burdensome. Passive monitoring presents a relatively cost-effective and unobtrusive way to gather rich and objective information about emotion dysregulation and risk behaviors. We first discuss key theoretically-driven concepts pertaining to emotion dysregulation and passive monitoring. We then identify variables that can be measured passively and hold promise for better understanding emotion dysregulation. For example, two strong markers of emotion dysregulation are sleep disturbance and problematic use of Internet/social media (i.e., use that prompts negative emotions/outcomes). Variables related to mobility are also potentially useful markers, though these variables should be tailored to fit unique features of each developmental stage. Finally, we offer our perspective on candidate digital variables that may prove useful for each developmental transition. Smartphone-based passive monitoring is a rigorous method that can elucidate psychopathology risk across human development. Nonetheless, its use requires researchers to weigh unique ethical considerations, examine relevant theory, and consider developmentally-specific lifespan features that may affect implementation.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine Program for the Elderly Aged 60 Years or Older in Shanghai, China
Authors: Sun Xiaodong , Tang Yuekun , Ma Xiaoying , Guo Xiang , Huang Zhuoying , Ren Jia , Qiu Jing , Jiang Hongli , Lu Yihan
Published: May 2021

Background: The pneumococcal vaccine has been considered as the most effective measure to prevent pneumococcal diseases. In 2013, Shanghai launched a major public health program to vaccinate people aged 60 years or older with 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV-23) free of charge. By the end of June 2020, a total of 1.56 million old people had been vaccinated free of charge.

Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of PPSV-23 vaccination program in Shanghai from the health system perspective.

Methods: According to the actual number of people aged 60 years or older with PPSV-23 vaccination in Shanghai from 2013 to 2018, a multi-cohort Markov model for life-time was developed to compare health and economic outcomes of vaccinated people vs. if they were not vaccinated for PPSV-23. Cost effectiveness was reported as incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER). A 5% discount rate was used for both costs and health outcomes. In addition, one-way sensitivity analysis was used to test the model's robustness.

Results: By the end of 2018, a total of 1,091,967 people aged 60 years or older were vaccinated with PPSV-23 in Shanghai, China. Comparing with the unvaccinated circumstances, PPSV-23 vaccination would cost US $19.62 million more and receive an additional 10,321.3 quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). PPSV-23 was associated with the ICER of $190.1 per QALY gained. The Results were sensitive to the variation of vaccine effectiveness against community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and disease incidence, mortality, and costs of CAP. In all sensitivity analysis, the PPSV-23 was economical.

Conclusion: The PPSV-23 vaccination program in Shanghai was cost-effective. With the further development of the project, the administrative costs of the vaccine will be reduced, making it more cost-effective.