bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of influencing factors on wellbore instability for high-pressure gas well during testing and production
Authors: Jiang Hailong , Chen Mian , Hua Chao , Li Xiao , Zhang Yong
Published: January 2023

Unlike normal-pressure gas wells, wellbore instability is more likely to occur during testing for high-pressure gas wells. Gas acceleration effect exists in gas flow during high-pressure gas well testing, which was ignored in previous wellbore instability analysis. In this paper, the developments of effective circumferential stress and effective radial stress are analyzed in the near-wellbore area of high-pressure gas well, considering the influence of in-situ stress non-uniformity and acceleration effect. To analyze the effective circumferential stress and the effective radial stress more accurately, it is established that the fluid-structure coupling stress field of the finite large thick wall cylinder The flow field considers three cases, namely Darcy’s law, Darcy–Forchheimer model and Darcy-Forchheime model considering gas acceleration. The results show that in-situ stress non-uniformity has a similar influence on tensile failure and shear failure. It is observed that the location of occurring shear failure and tensile failure may not be on the wellbore wall. When the formation fluid is under abnormally high pressure, it is more likely to have a tensile failure, while when the formation fluid is under abnormally low pressure, it is more likely to have a shear failure. The Biot parameter has the same effect on tensile failure and shear failure. These results are helpful to control sand production during testing and production for high-pressure gas wells.
Examining the impact of carbon constraints on the capital structure of Chinese power enterprises
Authors: Han Ming Xue , Guo Zi Xin , Dang Yi Jing , Long Tang Zhan
Published: January 2023

China’s power system will face more constraints of the carbon emission reduction policy under the goal of “double carbon”, it is particularly important to study the impact of carbon constraints on the capital structure of power enterprises. Commencing the viewpoint of static and dynamic, this research regards the implementation of China’s carbon pilot policy as a quasi-natural experiment, using DID method, sys-GMM model and some robustness tests to examine how the carbon constraint affects the capital structure of power companies from 2008 to 2020. The empirical results show that the financial leverage is significantly reduced after the implementation of China’s carbon pilot policy. Moreover, the mandatory implementation of carbon emission trading mechanism makes heavy emission enterprises such as power enterprises face greater pressure on emission reduction, resulting in an increase in the risk of financial distress, reducing debt financing and equity financing of power enterprises, which promotes enterprises to decrease financial leverage. In addition, the article verifies another possibility, the enhancement of carbon constraints leads to the reduction of carbon-intensive investment rather than the increase of financial distress risk, so as to reduce the asset-liability ratio. However, the coefficient of interactive items is not significant. Further analysis indicates that the decline of financial leverage is unlikely to be caused by changes in investment.
Distributed secondary control of microgrids with unknown disturbances and non-linear dynamics
Authors: Hu Shunwei , He Liping , Zhao Haodong , Liu Huawei , Liu Xueqiang , Qiu Jianlong
Published: January 2023

In this paper, the voltage and frequency regulation of microgrid with unknown disturbances and non-linear dynamics was studied. The disturbance observer was designed and the sliding mode control (SMC) method was used to realize the secondary regulation of voltage and frequency. First, a distributed secondary control protocol was designed to reduce the communication burden between generators and to solve voltage and frequency deviations. Second, a consensus protocol for secondary control of voltage and frequency was designed, based on the idea of multi-agent consensus, to indirectly ensure that the voltage and frequency to be adjusted reach the reference values when the consensus is realized. In addition, considering unknown disturbances in the microgrid, a sliding mode control strategy, based on a disturbance observer, was designed to overcome the influence of disturbances and to reduce chatter. This SMC scheme ensured finite time accessibility of the sliding mode surface. This design provides sufficient conditions for voltage and frequency regulation. The effectiveness of this design scheme was verified through simulation.
Benchmark shielding calculations for fusion and accelerator-driven sub-critical systems
Authors: Iwamoto Yosuke , Tsuda Shuichi , Ogawa Tatsuhiko
Published: January 2023

We conducted benchmark calculations of neutron-shielding experiments for fusion applications such as (1) Neutron spectra in iron shields with 14 MeV neutrons; and (2) Leakage neutron spectra from various sphere piles by 14 MeV neutrons, and for Accelerator-Driven Sub-Critical system (ADS) such as (3) Neutron energy spectra after transmission through iron and concrete shields using a quasi-monochromatic neutron source, (4) Thick target neutron yield produced by high-energy heavy ion incidence on a thick target, and (5) Induced radio activity in concrete exposed to secondary particles produced by heavy-ion incident reaction on an iron target by using the Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code System (PHITS). For case (1), the calculated neutron energy spectra using the nuclear data libraries, JENDL-4.0, agreed with the experimental data in iron shields. For the cases (2) of Al, Ti, Cr, and As piles, the neutron energy spectra calculated with JENDL-4.0 agreed with the experimental results well. For the case (3), the neutron spectra calculated with JENDL-4.0/HE reproduced the experimental data because the proton data library of7Li can produce source neutrons for proton incident reactions. For the case (4), calculated results for thick target neutron spectra produced by a 400 MeV per nucleon carbon incident reaction on lead reproduced the experimental data well. For the case (5) with a neutron source produced by the 200–400 MeV per nucleon heavy-ion incident reaction, the calculated results of the reaction rate depth profiles of197Au (n, γ)198Au reactions reproduced the experimental results within a factor of 2. Overall, PHITS with nuclear data libraries reproduced the experimental data sufficiently well. Thus, PHITS has a potential application in the design of advanced reactor systems, such as fusion and ADS facilities. This experimental data are also useful in validating nuclear reaction models in other Monte Carlo codes and evaluating nuclear data libraries for advanced reactor systems.
ESG disclosure facilitator: How do the multiple large shareholders affect firms’ ESG disclosure? evidence from China
Authors: Wang Liang , Fan Xuchang , Zhuang Hongyu
Published: January 2023

The Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure is an important aspect of firms’ strategies. Therefore, exploring how to facilitate the firms’ ESG disclosure is necessary. This paper examines the role of multiple large shareholders (MLS, hereafter) in facilitating a firm’s ESG disclosure. Using a sample of Chinese listed firms during 2011–2020, we compare the ESG disclosure of firms having MLS with that of firms having a single large shareholder (SLS, hereafter) and find that having MLS associated with significantly higher ESG disclosure. After addressing endogeneity and altering the measurement of MLS, the benchmark results still hold after. Additional analysis shows that MLS exerts a more prominent positive effect on ESG disclosure in SOEs. We also examine the role of the other large shareholders in facilitating firms’ ESG disclosure. Our findings reveal a bright side of MLS: it facilitates ESG disclosure by monitoring. Therefore, this paper’s conclusion sheds new light on the bright side of MLS from the perspective of firms’ ESG disclosure and provides insights into how to improve ESG disclosure.
Research and application of GEP: China’s experience in natural capital accounting
Authors: Yang Haijiang , Gou Xiaohua , Ma Weijing , Xue Bing
Published: January 2023

In 2013, for raising the awareness of policymakers and researchers on the economic value of ecosystem services, GEP (Gross Ecosystem Product) was proposed by Chinese scholars. As a new attempt at ecosystem services evaluation, GEP has been widely accepted in China and is often used to reveal the effectiveness of regional ecological protection and the relationship between humans and nature. However, there is currently a lack of a systematic review of GEP research. In this study, we found that: 1) GEP can reflect the overall situation of ecological environment and service quality, and help decision-makers and managers formulate and implement sustainable development strategies and ecological protection policies. 2) The contradiction between the depletion of global ecosystem capital and the development of people’s livelihood continues to intensify. About 68.7% of developing countries are facing a “low-low development (low GEP and low GDP)” model. 3) We have constructed the path model of the GEP working system and the path model of ecological protection compensation mechanism in China. The GEP accounting system of “from point to area, from top to bottom”, the parallel evaluation strategy of GDP and GEP and the comprehensive ecological compensation system of “vertical and horizontal combination” implemented can be popularized to countries all over the world.
Exploring the interrelationship between the skin microbiome and skin volatiles: A pilot study
Authors: Haertl Tobias , Owsienko Diana , Schwinn Leo , Hirsch Cathrin , Eskofier Bjoern M. , Lang Roland , Wirtz Stefan , Loos Helene M.
Published: January 2023

Unravelling the interplay between a human’s microbiome and physiology is a relevant task for understanding the principles underlying human health and disease. With regard to human chemical communication, it is of interest to elucidate the role of the microbiome in shaping or generating volatiles emitted from the human body. In this study, we characterized the microbiome and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) sampled from the neck and axilla of ten participants (five male, five female) on two sampling days, by applying different methodological approaches. Volatiles emitted from the respective skin site were collected for 20 min using textile sampling material and analyzed on two analytical columns with varying polarity of the stationary phase. Microbiome samples were analyzed by a culture approach coupled with MALDI-TOF-MS analysis and a 16S ribosomal RNA gene (16S RNA) sequencing approach. Statistical and advanced data analysis methods revealed that classification of body sites was possible by using VOC and microbiome data sets. Higher classification accuracy was achieved by combination of both data pools. Cutibacterium, Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Streptococcus, Lawsonella, Anaerococcus, and Corynebacterium species were found to contribute to classification of the body sites by the microbiome. Alkanes, esters, ethers, ketones, aldehydes and cyclic structures were used by the classifier when VOC data were considered. The interdisciplinary methodological platform developed here will enable further investigations of skin microbiome and skin VOCs alterations in physiological and pathological conditions.
Dendritic cell phenotype and function in a 3D co-culture model of patient-derived metastatic colorectal cancer organoids
Authors: Subtil Beatriz , Iyer Kirti K. , Poel Dennis , Bakkerus Lotte , Gorris Mark A. J. , Escalona Jorge Cuenca , Dries Koen van den , Cambi Alessandra , Verheul Henk M. W. , de Vries I. Jolanda M. , Tauriello Daniele V. F.
Published: January 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most aggressive and lethal cancers, with metastasis accounting for most deaths. As such, there is an unmet need for improved therapies for metastatic CRC (mCRC). Currently, the research focus is shifting towards the reciprocal interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME), which prevent tumor clearance by the immune system. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in the initiation and amplification of anti-tumor immune responses and in driving the clinical success of immunotherapies. Dissecting the interactions between DCs and CRC cells may open doors to identifying key mediators in tumor progression, and possible therapeutic targets. This requires representative, robust and versatile models and tools. Currently, there is a shortage of such in vitro systems to model the CRC TME and its tumor-immune cell interactions. Here we develop and establish a dynamic organotypic 3D co-culture system to recapitulate and untangle the interactions between DCs and patient-derived mCRC tumor organoids. To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating human DCs in co-culture with tumor organoids in a 3D, organotypic setting. This system reveals how mCRC organoids modulate and shape monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) behavior, phenotype, and function, within a collagen matrix, using techniques such as brightfield and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Our 3D co-culture model shows high viability and extensive interaction between DCs and tumor organoids, and its structure resembles patient tissue sections. Furthermore, it is possible to retrieve DCs from the co-cultures and characterize their phenotypic and functional profile. In our study, the expression of activation markers in both mature and immature DCs and their ability to activate T cells were impacted by co-culture with tumor organoids. In the future, this direct co-culture platform can be adapted and exploited to study the CRC-DC interplay in more detail, enabling novel and broader insights into CRC-driven DC (dys)function.
The effects and paths of regional industrial structure transformation on the fluctuation and quality of the marine fisheries economy in China
Authors: Wang Bo , Li Haiting , Sun Pengyi , Zhang Shaofeng , Zhang Hongzhi
Published: January 2023

Industrial structure adjustment is an important component of China’s supply-side structural reforms. This study examines the effect and action path of regional industrial structure transformation, through the lens of advancement and rationalization, on the economic fluctuation and quality of the marine fishery industry. The results show that regional industrial structure advancement (rationalization) promotes (reduces) economic fluctuation. Regarding the action paths, regional industrial structure advancement (rationalization) has a U-shaped (inverted U-shaped) relationship with economic quality. The regional industrial structure advancement level is greater than 5.108 in China’s coastal areas and on the right side of the U shape. Thus, the evolution of the industrial structure in these areas is conducive to improving the economic quality of marine fisheries. Meanwhile, The degree of regional industrial structure rationalization has not reached the optimum level, and most areas are far from optimum level. This suggests that the structural dividends from industrial structure rationalization not fully released and need further regulation. In terms of the overall effect, regional industrial structure transformation can cause economic fluctuations in marine fisheries, with the main force originating from industrial structure advancement. The path of regional industrial structure transformation affecting economic quality of marine fisheries is non-linear. At present, the industrial structure advancement transformation can improve economic quality, but the industrial structure rationalization needs to be further adjusted.
Non-volatile electric field-mediated magnetic anisotropy in CoZr/ PMN-PT structure
Authors: Wang Zhiling , Zhu Dengyu , Liu Fufu , Zhou Cai , Jiang Changjun
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Although electric field mediated the magnetic anisotropy in ferromagnetic/ferroelectric structure have an intense report, the angle between the magnetic uniaxial anisotropy and strain anisotropy influencing the rearrangement of the magnetic moment has not well investigated.

Methods: Keithley 2410 direct current power supply was used to provide voltage through the Cu wires. Static magnetic properties of CoZr layer were measured through VSM (MicroSense EV9). Dynamic magnetic properties were obtained by FMR (JEOL JES-FA 300 spectrometer, power of 1-mW, X-band at 8.969 GHz).

Results and Discussion: Electric field-mediated, room-temperature magnetic anisotropy of CoZr/Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 (PMN–PT) structures, in which easy axis of CoZr layer along either direction of [01-1] or [100] of PMN–PT, was investigated. Measured with vibrating sample magnetometer, for [01-1] easy-axis direction sample, when an electric field was applied, these directions of easy axis and hard axis remains unchanged. However, for [100] easy-axis direction sample, these directions of easy axis and hard axis were changed obviously with applying electric field, attributable to the competition between magnetic uniaxial anisotropy of CoZr layer and piezostrain anisotropy of PMN-PT substrate. Nevertheless, change of the resonance magnetic field with electric field–measured by ferromagnetic resonance–exhibited non-volatile behavior, which possibly indicates magnon-driven magnetoelectric coupling existing in CoZr/PMN–PT structures.
Non-hepatitis-associated mixed cryoglobulinemia with polyclonal plasma cells disease and alcoholic cirrhosis: A rare case report
Authors: Luo Jiao , Liu Cheng , Lv Qing-Jian , He Ting , Qiang Xing , Li Yi , Huang Qi-Mi , He Jia-Lin
Published: January 2023

Mixed cryoglobulinemia refers to the serum presence of a variety of cryoglobulins, which are defined as immunoglobulins that precipitate at temperatures of < 37°C. The most common cause of mixed cryoglobulinemia is hepatitis C virus (HCV), while other infections, including hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV infections, and lymphoproliferative and autoimmune disorders have also been associated with the disease. We reported a rare case of type II–III mixed cryoglobulinemia caused by alcoholic cirrhosis. We need to increase the awareness of and facilitate the early identification of mixed cryoglobulinemia in our clinical study when encountering a patient with liver cirrhosis combined with renal impairment so that treatment can begin early to improve the success rate of therapy and reduce the fatality rate in a potentially life-saving therapy.
The secreted FolAsp aspartic protease facilitates the virulence of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici
Authors: Wang Chenyang , Zheng Yaning , Liu Zhishan , Qian Yongpan , Li Yue , Yang Limei , Liu Sihui , Liang Wenxing , Li Jingtao
Published: January 2023

Pathogens utilize secretory effectors to manipulate plant defense. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) is the causal agent of Fusarium wilt disease in tomatoes. We previously identified 32 secreted effector candidates by LC-MS analysis. In this study, we functionally identified one of the secreted proteins, FolAsp, which belongs to the aspartic proteases (Asp) family. The FolAsp was upregulated with host root specifically induction. Its N-terminal 1–19 amino acids performed the secretion activity in the yeast system, which supported its secretion in Fol. Phenotypically, the growth and conidia production of the FolAsp deletion mutants were not changed; however, the mutants displayed significantly reduced virulence to the host tomato. Further study revealed the FolAsp was localized at the apoplast and inhibited INF1-induced cell death in planta. Meanwhile, FolAsp could inhibit flg22-mediated ROS burst. Furthermore, FolAsp displayed protease activity on host protein, and overexpression of FolAsp in Fol enhanced pathogen virulence. These results considerably extend our understanding of pathogens utilizing secreted protease to inhibit plant defense and promote its virulence, which provides potential applications for tomato improvement against disease as the new drug target.
The effects of cognitive impairment on the multi-scale dynamics of standing postural control during visual-search in older men
Authors: Zhou Junhong , Manor Brad , McCarten John Riley , Wade Michael G. , Jor’dan Azizah J.
Published: January 2023

Background

Cognitive impairment disrupts postural control, particularly when standing while performing an unrelated cognitive task (i.e., dual-tasking). The temporal dynamics of standing postural sway are “complex,” and such complexity may reflect the capacity of the postural control system to adapt to task demands. We aimed to characterize the impact of cognitive impairment on such sway complexity in older adults.

Methods

Forty-nine older adult males (Alzheimer’s disease (AD): n = 21; mild cognitive impairment (MCI): n = 13; cognitively-intact: n = 15) completed two 60-s standing trials in each of single-task and visual-search dual-task conditions. In the dual-task condition, participants were instructed to count the frequency of a designated letter in a block of letters projected on screen. The sway complexity of center-of-pressure fluctuations in anterior–posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) direction was quantified using multiscale entropy. The dual-task cost to complexity was obtained by calculating the percent change of complexity from single- to dual-task condition.

Results

Repeated-measures ANOVAs revealed significant main effects of group (F > 4.8, p < 0.01) and condition (F = 7.7, p < 0.007) on both AP and ML sway complexity; and significant interaction between group and condition for ML sway complexity (F = 3.7, p = 0.03). The AD group had the lowest dual-task ML complexity, as well as greater dual-task cost to ML (p = 0.03) compared to the other two groups. Visual-search task accuracy was correlated with ML sway complexity in the dual-task condition (r = 0.42, p = 0.007), and the dual-task cost to ML sway complexity (r = 0.39, p = 0.01) across all participants.

Conclusion

AD-related cognitive impairment was associated with a greater relative reduction in postural sway complexity from single- to dual-tasking. Sway complexity appears to be sensitive to the impact of cognitive impairment on standing postural control.
Adolescent alcohol exposure alters threat avoidance in adulthood
Authors: Landin Justine D. , Chandler Lawrence Judson
Published: January 2023

Adolescent binge-like alcohol exposure impairs cognitive function and decision making in adulthood and may be associated with dysfunction of threat avoidance, a critical mechanism of survival which relies upon executive function. The present study investigated the impact of binge-like alcohol exposure during adolescence on active avoidance in adulthood. Male and female rats were subjected to adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure by vapor inhalation and then tested in adulthood using a platform-mediated avoidance task. After training to press a lever to receive a sucrose reward, the rats were conditioned to a tone that co-terminated with a foot-shock. A motivational conflict was introduced by the presence of an escape platform that isolated the rat from the shock, but also prevented access to the sucrose reward while the rat was on the platform. During the task training phase, both male and female rats exhibited progressive increases in active avoidance (platform escape) in response to the conditioned tone, whereas innate fear behavior (freezing) remained relatively constant over training days. A history of AIE exposure did not impact either active avoidance or freezing behavior during task acquisition. On the test day following platform acquisition training, female rats exhibited higher levels of both active avoidance and freezing compared to male rats, while AIE-exposed male but not female rats exhibited significantly greater levels of active avoidance compared to controls. In contrast, neither male nor female AIE-exposed rats exhibited alterations in freezing compared to controls. Following 5 days of extinction training, female rats continued to display higher levels of active avoidance and freezing during tone presentation compared to males. Male AIE-exposed rats also had higher levels of both active avoidance and freezing compared to the male control rats. Together, the results demonstrate that female rats exhibit elevated levels of active avoidance and freezing compared to males and further reveal a sex-specific impact of AIE on threat responding in adulthood.
Degeneracy and stability in neural circuits of dopamine and serotonin neuromodulators: A theoretical consideration
Authors: Behera Chandan K. , Joshi Alok , Wang Da-Hui , Sharp Trevor , Wong-Lin KongFatt
Published: January 2023

Degenerate neural circuits perform the same function despite being structurally different. However, it is unclear whether neural circuits with interacting neuromodulator sources can themselves degenerate while maintaining the same neuromodulatory function. Here, we address this by computationally modeling the neural circuits of neuromodulators serotonin and dopamine, local glutamatergic and GABAergic interneurons, and their possible interactions, under reward/punishment-based conditioning tasks. The neural modeling is constrained by relevant experimental studies of the VTA or DRN system using, e.g., electrophysiology, optogenetics, and voltammetry. We first show that a single parsimonious, sparsely connected neural circuit model can recapitulate several separate experimental findings that indicated diverse, heterogeneous, distributed, and mixed DRNVTA neuronal signaling in reward and punishment tasks. The inability of this model to recapitulate all observed neuronal signaling suggests potentially multiple circuits acting in parallel. Then using computational simulations and dynamical systems analysis, we demonstrate that several different stable circuit architectures can produce the same observed network activity profile, hence demonstrating degeneracy. Due to the extensive D2-mediated connections in the investigated circuits, we simulate the D2 receptor agonist by increasing the connection strengths emanating from the VTA DA neurons. We found that the simulated D2 agonist can distinguish among sub-groups of the degenerate neural circuits based on substantial deviations in specific neural populations’ activities in reward and punishment conditions. This forms a testable model prediction using pharmacological means. Overall, this theoretical work suggests the plausibility of degeneracy within neuromodulator circuitry and has important implications for the stable and robust maintenance of neuromodulatory functions.
Biophysical parameters control signal transfer in spiking network
Authors: Garnier Artiñano Tomás , Andalibi Vafa , Atula Iiris , Maestri Matteo , Vanni Simo
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Information transmission and representation in both natural and artificial networks is dependent on connectivity between units. Biological neurons, in addition, modulate synaptic dynamics and post-synaptic membrane properties, but how these relate to information transmission in a population of neurons is still poorly understood. A recent study investigated local learning rules and showed how a spiking neural network can learn to represent continuous signals. Our study builds on their model to explore how basic membrane properties and synaptic delays affect information transfer.

Methods

The system consisted of three input and output units and a hidden layer of 300 excitatory and 75 inhibitory leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) or adaptive integrate-and-fire (AdEx) units. After optimizing the connectivity to accurately replicate the input patterns in the output units, we transformed the model to more biologically accurate units and included synaptic delay and concurrent action potential generation in distinct neurons. We examined three different parameter regimes which comprised either identical physiological values for both excitatory and inhibitory units (Comrade), more biologically accurate values (Bacon), or the Comrade regime whose output units were optimized for low reconstruction error (HiFi). We evaluated information transmission and classification accuracy of the network with four distinct metrics: coherence, Granger causality, transfer entropy, and reconstruction error.

Results

Biophysical parameters showed a major impact on information transfer metrics. The classification was surprisingly robust, surviving very low firing and information rates, whereas information transmission overall and particularly low reconstruction error were more dependent on higher firing rates in LIF units. In AdEx units, the firing rates were lower and less information was transferred, but interestingly the highest information transmission rates were no longer overlapping with the highest firing rates.

Discussion

Our findings can be reflected on the predictive coding theory of the cerebral cortex and may suggest information transfer qualities as a phenomenological quality of biological cells.
Clinical study on the feasibility of new thrombus markers in predicting massive cerebral infarction
Authors: Zhao Xiaoxia , Yang Siyu , Lei Ruining , Duan Qiaoyan , Li Jundong , Meng Jiangtao , Sun Lei
Published: January 2023

Objective

This study investigated the diagnostic performance of the thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), plasmin-α2 plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC), tissue plasminogen activator-plasminogen activator inhibitor complex (t-PAIC), and thrombomodulin (TM) in the early identification of massive cerebral infarction.

Method

A total of 423 patients with cerebral infarction confirmed by imaging examination were divided into the massive cerebral infarction (MCI) group and the non-massive cerebral infarction (NMCI) group. TAT, PIC, t-PAIC, and TM were measured immediately after admission. The diagnostic performance was analyzed by the receiver characteristic operating curve (ROC).

Result

The median plasma concentrations of TAT, PIC, and t-PAIC in patients with MCI at early onset were 5.10 ng/ml, 1.11 μg/ml, and 8.80 ng/ml, respectively, which were higher than those in patients with NMCI (2.20 ng/ml, 0.59 μg/ml, and 7.35 ng/ml), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). TAT was shown to be an independent risk factor for the development of massive cerebral infarction by a multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR = 1.138). A ROC curve analysis showed that PIC had the best performance in identifying MCI at an early stage (AUC = 82.8%), with a sensitivity of 80.7% and a specificity of 76.2% when the PIC concentration was ≥0.8 μg/ml; TAT had the highest specificity in identifying MCI, with a specificity of 80.6% when the TAT concentration was ≥3.97 ng/ml.

Conclusion

The detection of PIC, TAT, t-PAIC, and TM is a comprehensive assessment of vascular endothelial damage and activation of the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems and has diagnostic value for early identification of patients with MCI, which, together with its ease of detection, can be used as a plasma marker for early identification of large vessel occlusion.
Exploration of sleep function connection and classification strategies based on sub-period sleep stages
Authors: Xu Fangzhou , Zhao Jinzhao , Liu Ming , Yu Xin , Wang Chongfeng , Lou Yitai , Shi Weiyou , Liu Yanbing , Gao Licai , Yang Qingbo , Zhang Baokun , Lu Shanshan , Tang Jiyou , Leng Jiancai
Published: January 2023

Background

As a medium for developing brain-computer interface systems, EEG signals are complex and difficult to identify due to their complexity, weakness, and differences between subjects. At present, most of the current research on sleep EEG signals are single-channel and dual-channel, ignoring the research on the relationship between different brain regions. Brain functional connectivity is considered to be closely related to brain activity and can be used to study the interaction relationship between brain areas.

Methods

Phase-locked value (PLV) is used to construct a functional connection network. The connection network is used to analyze the connection mechanism and brain interaction in different sleep stages. Firstly, the entire EEG signal is divided into multiple sub-periods. Secondly, Phase-locked value is used for feature extraction on the sub-periods. Thirdly, the PLV of multiple sub-periods is used for feature fusion. Fourthly, the classification performance optimization strategy is used to discuss the impact of different frequency bands on sleep stage classification performance and to find the optimal frequency band. Finally, the brain function network is constructed by using the average value of the fusion features to analyze the interaction of brain regions in different frequency bands during sleep stages.

Results

The experimental results have shown that when the number of sub-periods is 30, the α (8–13 Hz) frequency band has the best classification effect, The classification result after 10-fold cross-validation reaches 92.59%.

Conclusion

The proposed algorithm has good sleep staging performance, which can effectively promote the development and application of an EEG sleep staging system.
Nicotine but not saline self-administering or yoked control conditions produces sustained neuroadaptations in the accumbens shell
Authors: Domi Ana , Lucente Erika , Cadeddu Davide , Adermark Louise
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Using yoked animals as the control when monitoring operant drug-self-administration is considered the golden standard. However, instrumental learning per se recruits several neurocircuits that may produce distinct or overlapping neuroadaptations with drugs of abuse. The aim of this project was to assess if contingent responding for nicotine or saline in the presence of a light stimulus as a conditioned reinforcer is associated with sustained neurophysiological adaptations in the nucleus accumbens shell (nAcS), a brain region repeatedly associated with reward related behaviors.

Methods

To this end, nicotine-or saline-administrating rats and yoked-saline stimulus-unpaired training conditions were assessed in operant boxes over four consecutive weeks. After four additional weeks of home cage forced abstinence and subsequent cue reinforced responding under extinction conditions, ex vivo electrophysiology was performed in the nAcS medium spiny neurons (MSNs).

Results

Whole cell recordings conducted in voltage and current-clamp mode showed that excitatory synapses in the nAcS were altered after prolonged forced abstinence from nicotine self-administration. We observed an increase in sEPSC amplitude in animals with a history of contingent nicotine SA potentially indicating higher excitability of accumbal MSNs, which was further supported by current clamp recordings. Interestingly no sustained neuroadaptations were elicited in saline exposed rats from nicotine associated visual cues compared to the yoked controls.

Conclusion

The data presented here indicate that nicotine self-administration produces sustained neuroadaptations in the nAcS while operant responding driven by nicotine visual stimuli has no long-term effects on MSNs in nAcS.
Dietary phytochemical and metabolic disease prevention: Focus on plant proteins
Authors: Yang Song-hong , Tao Gabriel , Yang Liu , Wu Xiaohui , Liu Jing-wen , Dagher Fatima , Ou Shi-yi , Song Yuan , Huang Jun-qing
Published: January 2023

Plant-based functional foods have attracted increasing research interest to validate their use in preventing metabolic disease. Since it is increasingly recognized that inflammation, oxidative stress, and circadian rhythm play vital roles in various metabolic diseases, including diabetes, obesity and non-alcoholic liver disease, plant proteins, protein hydrolysates, and food extracts that intervene in these biological processes are promising dietary supplements to prevent metabolic diseases. Here, we reviewed the recent research on plant-based foods used for metabolic disease prevention and provided new perspectives regarding the current study gaps and future directions in this field.
Dietary inflammatory index and risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and advanced hepatic fibrosis in US adults
Authors: Zhang Zhongmian , Wang Lan , Lin Zili , Yan Weitian , Chen Jiaqin , Zhang Xiyan , Ye Wangyu , Li Jian , Li Zhihong
Published: January 2023

Background and aims

This study aims to investigate whether the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and advanced hepatic fibrosis (AHF) among non-institutionalized adults in the United States.

Methods

Utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2016, a total of 10,052 adults aged ≥18 years were included in the analysis. We used multivariable analysis, controlling for demographic variables, to evaluate the association between DII and NAFLD and AHF, a restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to model the non-linear relationship between DII and NAFLD.

Results

For 10,052 participants, DII ranges from -4.63 to 5.47. Compared with quartile 1, higher DII group were associated with higher levels of female, separated/divorced, lower education level, heavy alcohol use, current smoke status, BMI, poverty income ratio, and waist circumference. DII also showed a significantly positive correlation with ALT, AST. In the fully adjusted multivariable model, DII was positively associated with the presence of NAFLD (OR 1.09, 1.06–1.13 CI, p trend <0.0001), and AHF (OR 1.15, 1.07–1.23 CI, p trend <0.001). The association remained statistically significant after stratified by gender in terms of NAFLD, but in case of AHF only in males (Q4 vs. Q1: OR 2.68, 1.63–4.41 CI, p trend <0.0001) was statistically significant. In the RCS models, the relation of DII and NAFLD started increase rapidly until around 1.80 and then started relatively flat afterward.

Conclusion

Higher pro-inflammatory level was associated with higher risk of NAFLD in males and females, and with higher risk of AHF in males but not in females. Therefore, strategies to promote an Zhang anti-inflammatory diet should be considered to prevent and ameliorate NAFLD and AHF in adults.
Hypolipidemic mechanism of Pleurotus eryngii polysaccharides in high-fat diet-induced obese mice based on metabolomics
Authors: Zhao Yuanyuan , Zhang Zhen , Wang Li , Li Wen , Du Jianming , Zhang Shengxiang , Chen Xuefeng
Published: January 2023

Objective

In this study, the structure of Pleurotus eryngii polysaccharides (PEPs) was characterized, and the mechanism of PEP on obesity and hyperlipidemia induced by high-fat diet was evaluated by metabonomic analysis.

Methods

The structure of PEPs were characterized by monosaccharide composition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. In animal experiments, H&E staining was used to observe the morphological difference of epididymal adipose tissue of mice in each group. Ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-(QE) HFX -mass spectrometry (MS) was used to analyze the difference of metabolites in serum of mice in each group and the related metabolic pathways.

Results

The PEPs contained nine monosaccharides: 1.05% fucose, 0.30% arabinose, 17.94% galactose, 53.49% glucose, 1.24% xylose, 23.32% mannose, 1.30% ribose, 0.21%galacturonic acid, and 1.17% glucuronic acid. The PEPs began to degrade at 251°C (T0), while the maximum thermal degradation rate temperature (Tm) appeared at 300°C. The results histopathological observation demonstrated that the PEPs had signifificant hypolipidemic activities. After PEPs intervention, the metabolic profile of mice changed significantly. A total of 29 different metabolites were selected as adjunctive therapy to PEPs, for treatment of obesity and hyperlipidemia-related complications caused by a high-fat diet. These metabolites include amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, choline, glycerol phospholipids, and other endogenous compounds, which can prevent and treat obesity and hyperlipidemia caused by a high-fat diet by regulating amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and changes in metabolic pathways such as that involved in the citric cycle (TCA cycle).

Conclusions

The presented results indicate that PEPs treatment can alleviate the obesity and hyperlipidemia caused by a high-fat diet and, thus, may be used as a functional food adjuvant, providing a theoretical basis and technical guidance for the prevention and treatment of high-fat diet-induced obesity and hyperlipidemia.
Breast metastasis from endometrial clear cell carcinoma: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Choo Amadora Li En , Sim Llewellyn Shao-jen , Sittampalam Kesavan , Tan Wei Chong , Tay Amos Zhi En , Nadarajah Ravichandran , Tan Veronique Kiak Mien , Sim Yirong
Published: January 2023

Metastasis to the breast from extra-mammary malignancies are rare, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancers. Endometrial cancer, a common gynecological malignancy, often spreads to the pelvis, abdominal lymph nodes, peritoneum or the lungs. Endometrial metastasis to the breast is extremely rare, and while there have been isolated case reports of endometrial serous carcinoma with breast metastasis, it has not been reported in the case of clear cell carcinoma. We present a rare case of a 70 year old Chinese lady who had a metastatic endometrial clear cell carcinoma with metastasis to the breast, mimicking an inflammatory breast cancer clinically. We reviewed the current literature and describe the challenges in differentiating primary from metastatic breast lesions, as well as clinical, radiological and histopathological features that may help to differentiate the two. Tumour metastasis to the breast via lymphatic or hematogenous route can affect their radiological features: the former mimicking inflammatory breast cancer and the latter with features similar to benign breast lesions. Regardless, histological features with immunohistochemical staining is still the gold standard in diagnosing metastatic breast lesions and determining their tissue of origin. Breast metastases from extra-mammary malignancies are uncommon and it is even rarer for endometrial clear cell carcinoma to spread to the breast. Nonetheless, this case highlights the importance of keeping an open mind and engaging a multidisciplinary team for the care of complex patients.
Incidental screening of descending colon carcinoma by 18F-FDG PET/MR imaging in a patient with endometrial carcinoma: A case report of Lynch syndrome
Authors: Li Xiaoran , Zhang Xian , Cui Bixiao , Ma Jie , Wang Shijun , Lu Jie
Published: January 2023

Background

Lynch syndrome (LS) is associated with the early onset of carcinoma and the development of numerous types of carcinoma, particularly endometrial and colon carcinomas. LS-associated endometrial carcinoma (EC) has been widely noted by gynecologists. However, there is still a lack of a non-invasive and reliable tool for early screening for LS in patients with EC. There are a few reports of PET and MR images revealing EC associated with LS.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old female patient presented with postmenopausal intermittent vaginal bleeding. Transvaginal ultrasonography showed a small amount of bleeding in the uterine cavity and no thickening of the endometrium. The levels of relevant tumor markers were all within normal ranges. The endometrial cytology examination hint to possible endometrial adenocarcinoma. The hybrid 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance (PET/MR) images showed a polypoid mass in the lower uterine segment and unexpectedly found a mass in the descending colon. A colonoscopy confirmed that there was a colon adenocarcinoma in the same place as the PET/MR images. Thus, LS was suspected even though this patient did not match the clinical diagnostic criteria. The gene analysis of both tumors was performed to identify microsatellite instability (MSI) for the diagnosis of Lynch syndrome. Postoperative adjuvant therapy and follow-up protocol customized for patients with Lynch syndrome.

Conclusion

This case highlights that hybrid 18F-FDG PET/MR imaging could play a key role in the screening for Lynch syndrome in EC patients.
Acute kidney injury after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients with advanced ovarian cancer
Authors: Bai Yun , Du Ye , Ye Pengpeng , Luo Yang
Published: January 2023

Background

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecologic cancers with the highest mortality rate in China. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a postoperative complication associated with all-cause mortality. The incidence and risk factors for AKI after cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) have not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and associate ed risk factors of AKI among those patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC.

Methods

This retrospective study collected demographic, tumor-related, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data from 282 advanced ovarian cancer patients who underwent CRS-HIPECs. AKI was defined and staged according to the clinical practice guideline of Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) in 2012. The prognosis of AKI was determined according to the change in serum creatinine 90 days after the operation. We conducted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to assess the association between variables of interest and the occurrence of AKI.

Results

Of 282 advanced ovarian cancer patients, 11.7% of them developed AKI. The Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors independently associated with AKI included cisplatin dose≥70mg/m2 (OR=3.668, 95%CI 1.336-10.070, P=0.012); Baseline eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR=2.704, 95%CI 1.373-5.322, P=0.004); and concomitant medications of angiotensin convert enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ACEI or ARB) (OR=3.122, 95%CI 1.545-14.892, P=0.039).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that the incidence of AKI after CRS plus cisplatin-based HIPEC is not uncommon among advanced ovarian cancer patients. Cisplatin overdose, baseline kidney dysfunction, and use of ACEI or ARB are independent risk factors for the occurrence of AKI among those patients.
Suicide attempts and eating disorders in adolescents, the mental health wave of the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic: A paediatric emergency department perspective
Authors: Cozzi Giorgio , Grillone Alberto , Zuliani Elettra , Giangreco Manuela , Zanchi Chiara , Abbracciavento Giuseppe , Barbi Egidio , Amaddeo Alessandro
Published: January 2023

Aim

We compared adolescents’ visits to a tertiary-level paediatric emergency department (PED) in Italy during the pre-pandemic year and the first and second years of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on mental health presentations.

Methods

This was a retrospective study. We collected the number of visits, the demographical features, triage codes, discharge diagnoses, and outcomes of adolescents 13–17 years old who accessed the PED from 1 March 2019 to 28 February 2022.

Results

During the study period, 13,410 adolescents accessed the PED. The number of visits related to mental health problems was 304 (6.4%) in the second year of the pandemic and 306 (5.6%) in the pre-pandemic year, p = 0.07. In the same periods, females’ prevalence was higher, 220 (72.4%) vs. 197 (64.4%), p = 0.03. The absolute number of subjects needing admission increased, 44 vs. 34, p = 0.21, and more urgent psychiatric consultations were needed, 161 vs. 114, p < 0.0001. The number of suicide attempts was 23 vs. 8, +188%, p = 0.01. The number of adolescents with eating disorders was 21 vs. 5, +320%, p = 0.001.

Conclusion

PED visits for suicide attempts and eating disorders in adolescents sharply increased in the second year of the pandemic.