bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the tripartite evolutionary game in the marketization of China’s renewable energy-based electricity prices
Authors: Dang Guoying , Jiang Chi , Liu Zhaoyang
Published: October 2023

The evolution of China’s renewable power pricing regulation from subsidy-driven fixed feed-in tariffs (FIT) to market-oriented, quota-based renewable portfolio standards (RPS) is a crucial institutional transformation designed to advance the low-carbon energy transition. The government’s price regulation of mandatory and non-mandatory quotas has a direct impact on the optimal production decision-making behavior of renewable and coal-fired power producers, which determines the effective substitution of fossil energy by renewable energy in China, and relates to the successful realization of the low-carbon energy transition. This article presents the construction of a tripartite evolutionary game model under both non-mandatory and mandatory quotas, employing MATLAB software to simulate and assess the effectiveness of a tradable green certificate (TGC) system in the presence of mandatory quotas. Based on stable equilibrium strategies, we discuss the impact of FIT on green certificate trading under four different subsidy withdrawal strategies and three quota and penalty scenarios. The results indicate the following. First, when renewable power producers certify and engage in green certificate trading, coal-fired power producers purchase green certificates, and the government implements mandatory quotas, the participants in the game achieve an equilibrium strategy combination. Second, the findings validate the effectiveness of the RPS–TGC model (i.e., the green certificate trading system in the presence of mandatory quotas) for electricity price regulation. Third, the root cause of the failure of China’s current voluntary green certificate trading system is the government's non-mandatory quotas. Accordingly, it is proposed that the marketization of renewable electricity prices in China needs to adopt a fast-then-slow exit of FIT subsidies, with renewable energy power quotas set at 20% and penalty standards set at 1.5P.
A hybrid rainfall-runoff model: integrating initial loss and LSTM for improved forecasting
Authors: Wang Wei , Gao Jie , Liu Zheng , Li Chuanqi
Published: October 2023

Accurate rainfall-runoff modeling is crucial for disaster prevention, mitigation, and water resource management. This study aims to enhance precision and reliability in predicting runoff patterns by integrating physical-based models like HEC-HMS with data-driven models, such as LSTM. We present a novel hybrid model, Ia-LSTM, which combines the strengths of HEC-HMS and LSTM to improve hydrological modeling. By optimizing the “initial loss” (Ia) with HEC-HMS and utilizing LSTM to capture the effective rainfall-runoff relationship, the model achieves a substantial improvement in precision. Tested in the Yufuhe basin in Jinan City, Shandong province, the Ia-LSTM consistently outperforms individual HEC-HMS and LSTM models, achieving notable average Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) values of 0.873 and 0.829, and average R2 values of 0.916 and 0.870 for calibration and validation, respectively. The study shows the potential of integrating physical mechanisms to enhance the efficiency of data-driven rainfall-runoff modeling. The Ia-LSTM model holds promise for more accurate runoff estimation, with wide applications in flood forecasting, water resource management, and infrastructure planning.
Analysis of liver miRNA in Hu sheep with different residual feed intake
Authors: Lin Changchun , Wang Weimin , Zhang Deyin , Huang Kai , Zhang Yukun , Li Xiaolong , Zhao Yuan , Zhao Liming , Wang Jianghui , Zhou Bubo , Cheng Jiangbo , Xu Dan , Li Wenxin , Zhang Xiaoxue , Zheng Wenxin
Published: October 2023

Feed efficiency (FE), an important economic trait in sheep production, is indirectly assessed by residual feed intake (RFI). However, RFI in sheep is varied, and the molecular processes that regulate RFI are unclear. It is thus vital to investigate the molecular mechanism of RFI to developing a feed-efficient sheep. The miRNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) was utilized to investigate miRNAs in liver tissue of 6 out of 137 sheep with extreme RFI phenotypic values. In these animals, as a typical metric of FE, RFI was used to distinguish differentially expressed miRNAs (DE_miRNAs) between animals with high (n = 3) and low (n = 3) phenotypic values. A total of 247 miRNAs were discovered in sheep, with four differentially expressed miRNAs (DE_miRNAs) detected. Among these DE_miRNAs, three were found to be upregulated and one was downregulated in animals with low residual feed intake (Low_RFI) compared to those with high residual feed intake (High_RFI). The target genes of DE_miRNAs were primarily associated with metabolic processes and biosynthetic process regulation. Furthermore, they were also considerably enriched in the FE related to glycolysis, protein synthesis and degradation, and amino acid biosynthesis pathways. Six genes were identified by co-expression analysis of DE_miRNAs target with DE_mRNAs. These results provide a theoretical basis for us to understand the sheep liver miRNAs in RFI molecular regulation.
Portal vein tumour thrombosis radiotherapy improves the treatment outcomes of immunotherapy plus bevacizumab in hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicentre real-world analysis with propensity score matching
Authors: Tang Cuiping , He Qin , Feng Jian , Liao Ziyue , Peng Yunli , Gao Jian
Published: October 2023

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sequential immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) plus bevacizumab therapy after radiotherapy for portal vein tumour thrombosis (PVTT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Retrospective data were collected from 113 patients with HCC with PVTT. Patients in the PVTT radiotherapy (radiotherapy + ICIs + bevacizumab) and control groups (ICIs + bevacizumab) were enrolled according to propensity score matching (PSM) analysis (1:1). The differences in progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and potential factors affecting PFS between the groups were analysed. The adverse events (AEs) were compared between the two groups.

Results

There were 47 patients in the two groups after PSM (1:1). The differences in neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), CRP, and CD4, CD8, and CD4-to-CD8 ratio before and after radiotherapy for PVTT (P < 0.05) in the PVTT radiotherapy group were significant. The patients in the PVTT radiotherapy group had a longer PFS (median, 9.6 vs. 5.4 months, P < 0.001), and the PFS rates of 3, 6, 9, and 12 months were 97.87% vs. 94.19%, 80.85% vs. 44.68%, 53.19% vs. 6.38%, and 23.40% vs. 0.00%, respectively (P < 0.001). There were also significant differences in the ORR (48.94% vs. 27.66%, P = 0.0339) and DCR (97.87% vs. 82.98%, P = 0.0141) between the two groups, and no serious AEs were observed. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that AFP expression, gross classification of HCC, PVTT type, extrahepatic metastasis, PVTT radiotherapy, and reduction in PVTT were independent factors influencing PFS (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Sequential ICIs plus bevacizumab therapy after radiotherapy for PVTT in patients with HCC is safe and feasible and may further prolong the PFS of patients.
The optimal use of tildrakizumab in the elderly via improvement of Treg function and its preventive effect of psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Fukasawa Takemichi , Yamashita Takashi , Enomoto Atsushi , Norimatsu Yuta , Toyama Satoshi , Yoshizaki-Ogawa Asako , Tateishi Shoko , Kanda Hiroko , Miyagawa Kiyoshi , Sato Shinichi , Yoshizaki Ayumi
Published: October 2023

Introduction

As a form of precision medicine, this study aimed to investigate the specific patient population that would derive the greatest benefit from tildrakizumab, as well as the mechanism of action and efficacy of tildrakizumab in reducing the occurrence of psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

To achieve this, a multi-center, prospective cohort study was conducted, involving a population of 246 psoriasis patients who had not received any systemic therapy or topical finger therapy between January 2020 and April 2023. Two independent clinicians, who were blinded to the study, analyzed nailfold capillary (NFC) abnormalities, such as nailfold bleeding (NFB) and enlarged capillaries, as well as the incidence of new PsA. Additionally, the factors that determined the response of psoriasis after seven months of tildrakizumab treatment were examined. The study also examined the quantity and role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper 17 cells both pre- and post-treatment.

Results

The severity of psoriasis, as measured by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), was found to be more pronounced in the tildrakizumab group (n=20) in comparison to the topical group (n=226). At 7 months after tildrakizumab treatment, multivariate analysis showed that those 65 years and older had a significantly better response to treatment in those achieved PASI clear or PASI 2 or less (Likelihood ratio (LR) 16.15, p<0.0001; LR 6. 16, p=0.01). Tildrakizumab improved the number and function of Tregs, which had been reduced by aging. Tildrakizumab demonstrated significant efficacy in improving various pathological factors associated with PsA. These factors include the reduction of NFB, enlargement of capillaries, and inhibition of PsA progression. The hazard ratio for progression to PsA was found to be 0.06 (95% confidence interval: 0.0007-0.46, p=0.007), indicating a substantial reduction in the risk of developing PsA.

Discussion

Tildrakizumab's effectiveness in improving skin lesions can be attributed to its ability to enhance the number and function of Tregs, which are known to decline with age. Furthermore, the drug's positive impact on NFB activity and capillary enlargement, both of which are recognized as risk factors for PsA, further contribute to its inhibitory effect on PsA progression.
Subcutaneous device-free islet transplantation
Authors: Zhou Xudong , Xu Zhiran , You Yanqiu , Yang Wangrong , Feng BingZheng , Yang Yuwei , Li Fujun , Chen Jibing , Gao Hongjun
Published: October 2023

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease, characterized by high blood sugar levels; it affects more than 500 million individuals worldwide. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is results from insufficient insulin secretion by islets; its treatment requires lifelong use of insulin injections, which leads to a large economic burden on patients. Islet transplantation may be a promising effective treatment for T1DM. Clinically, this process currently involves directly infusing islet cells into the hepatic portal vein; however, transplantation at this site often elicits immediate blood-mediated inflammatory and acute immune responses. Subcutaneous islet transplantation is an attractive alternative to islet transplantation because it is simpler, demonstrates lower surgical complication risks, and enables graft monitoring and removal. In this article, we review the current methods of subcutaneous device-free islet transplantation. Recent subcutaneous islet transplantation techniques with high success rate have involved the use of bioengineering technology and biomaterial cotransplantation—including cell and cell growth factor co-transplantation and hydrogel– or simulated extracellular matrix–wrapped subcutaneous co-transplantation. In general, current subcutaneous device-free islet transplantation modalities can simplify the surgical process and improve the posttransplantation graft survival rate, thus aiding effective T1DM management.
Multi-scale analysis of the synergistic strengthening effect of silane coupling agent on PVA and cement interface
Authors: Zhao Chen , Li Lijuan , Li Xiaoyang , Chen Wuxin , Li Yongquan
Published: October 2023

Conventional polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cementitious composites are susceptible to macroscopic cracking when subjected to reduced compressive strength, diminished toughness, tensile impact and other external loads. In order to address these issues, this study investigates the mechanism of the modifier's influence by modifying PVA fibers with a silane coupling agent (KH560) through experimental studies and molecular dynamics simulations for multiscale computational analyses. Macro test results showed that the mechanical properties of PVA fiber concrete were significantly improved after silane coupling agent modified PVA fiber. The microscopic test results showed that the SCA-modified polymer film acted as a bridging ligament in the interfacial transition zone, effectively prevented crack extension, and enhanced the interfacial adhesion between the organic components of the PVA fibers and the cement matrix. Nanoscale molecular dynamics simulations showed that the hydrated calcium silicate exhibited a stable skeletal structure, while the introduction of SCA expanded the hydrogen bonding interactions at the interface, thus enhancing its stability.
The pathogenesis of post-stroke osteoporosis and the role oxidative stress plays in its development
Authors: Li JinYan , Shi Lin , Sun JianMin
Published: October 2023

Cardiovascular disease and osteoporotic fractures (OF) are the main diseases affecting the health of middle-aged and elderly people. With the gradual increase of population aging in China and even the world, the incidence of the two and the prevalence of high-risk groups are also showing a continuous upward trend. The relationship between the two, especially the impact of cardiovascular disease on the risk and prognosis of OF, has attracted more and more attention. Therefore, it is of great significance to fully understand the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and the resulting osteoporosis and to provide targeted interventions to prevent the occurrence of diseases and fractures. This article reviews the relationship between one of the Cardiovascular disease—stroke and related therapeutic drugs and the risk of OF, and the role of oxidative stress in its pathophysiological mechanism by reviewing relevant domestic and foreign literature in recent years, in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the association between stroke and OF, and then provide a basis and reference for screening high-risk groups of fractures and reducing the burden on the health system caused by the disease.
Summer and spring elbow rashes is a variant of polymorphous light eruption: confirmation by photoprovocation and histopathology in a series of five cases
Authors: de Gálvez María Victoria , Castillo-Muñoz Rosa Maria , López-Navarro Norberto , López-Jiménez Patricio , Navarrete-de Gálvez Enrique , Bosch-García Ricardo , Herrera-Acosta Enrique , Aguilera José
Published: October 2023

Background

Summer and spring eruptions on the elbows are a variant of polymorphous light eruption described on clinical and histopathological grounds; however, to our knowledge, they have not been confirmed by photobiological studies.

Objective

Based on photobiological studies, this study aimed to demonstrate the involvement of ultraviolet-A (UVA) radiation in this variant of polymorphous light eruption occurring exclusively on the elbows.

Methods

A series of five patients with polymorphous light eruption lesions on the elbows were included in our study. All patients underwent phototesting and photoprovocation of the skin lesions after exposure to a UVA light source [Philips UVA HPA lamp (400 W)]. All patients underwent punch biopsy and histopathological and immunohistochemical studies with anti-CD123.

Results

In all the cases, UVA irradiation caused the appearance of skin lesions on the elbows with characteristic polymorphous light eruption. Histological data showed edema in the superficial dermis and a perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate compatible with polymorphous light eruption. Immunohistochemical staining for CD1-23 showed negative results.

Conclusions

For the first time, photobiological photoprovocation studies demonstrated that repeated exposure to UVA radiation leads to the generation of skin lesions on the elbows, which are clinically and histologically consistent with summer and spring eruptions, confirming that elbow rash is a variant of polymorphous light eruption.
Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals key pathways and regulatory networks in early resistance of Glycine max to soybean mosaic virus
Authors: Li Han , Liu Jinyang , Yuan Xingxing , Chen Xin , Cui Xiaoyan
Published: October 2023

As a high-value oilseed crop, soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is limited by various biotic stresses during its growth and development. Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) is a devastating viral infection of soybean that primarily affects young leaves and causes significant production and economic losses; however, the synergistic molecular mechanisms underlying the soybean response to SMV are largely unknown. Therefore, we performed RNA sequencing on SMV-infected resistant and susceptible soybean lines to determine the molecular mechanism of resistance to SMV. When the clean reads were aligned to the G. max reference genome, a total of 36,260 genes were identified as expressed genes and used for further research. Most of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with resistance were found to be enriched in plant hormone signal transduction and circadian rhythm according to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. In addition to salicylic acid and jasmonic acid, which are well known in plant disease resistance, abscisic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, and cytokinin are also involved in the immune response to SMV in soybean. Most of the Ca2+ signaling related DEGs enriched in plant-pathogen interaction negatively influence SMV resistance. Furthermore, the MAPK cascade was involved in either resistant or susceptible responses to SMV, depending on different downstream proteins. The phytochrome interacting factor-cryptochrome-R protein module and the MEKK3/MKK9/MPK7-WRKY33-CML/CDPK module were found to play essential roles in soybean response to SMV based on protein-protein interaction prediction. Our findings provide general insights into the molecular regulatory networks associated with soybean response to SMV and have the potential to improve legume resistance to viral infection.
Fungal and mycotoxin contaminants in cannabis and hemp flowers: implications for consumer health and directions for further research
Authors: Gwinn Kimberly D. , Leung Maxwell C. K. , Stephens Ariell B. , Punja Zamir K.
Published: October 2023

Medicinal and recreational uses of Cannabis sativa, commonly known as cannabis or hemp, has increased following its legalization in certain regions of the world. Cannabis and hemp plants interact with a community of microbes (i.e., the phytobiome), which can influence various aspects of the host plant. The fungal composition of the C. sativa phytobiome (i.e., mycobiome) currently consists of over 100 species of fungi, which includes phytopathogens, epiphytes, and endophytes, This mycobiome has often been understudied in research aimed at evaluating the safety of cannabis products for humans. Medical research has historically focused instead on substance use and medicinal uses of the plant. Because several components of the mycobiome are reported to produce toxic secondary metabolites (i.e., mycotoxins) that can potentially affect the health of humans and animals and initiate opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients, there is a need to determine the potential health risks that these contaminants could pose for consumers. This review discusses the mycobiome of cannabis and hemp flowers with a focus on plant-infecting and toxigenic fungi that are most commonly found and are of potential concern (e.g., Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, and Mucor spp.). We review current regulations for molds and mycotoxins worldwide and review assessment methods including culture-based assays, liquid chromatography, immuno-based technologies, and emerging technologies for these contaminants. We also discuss approaches to reduce fungal contaminants on cannabis and hemp and identify future research needs for contaminant detection, data dissemination, and management approaches. These approaches are designed to yield safer products for all consumers.
Two-carbon tethered artemisinin–isatin hybrids: design, synthesis, anti-breast cancer potential, and in silico study
Authors: Wang Ruo , Huang Renhong , Yuan Yaofeng , Wang Zheng , Shen Kunwei
Published: October 2023

Eleven two-carbon tethered artemisinin–isatin hybrids (4a–k) were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity against MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-231/ADR breast cancer cell lines, as well as cytotoxicity toward MCF-10A cells in this paper. Among them, the representative hybrid 4a (IC50: 2.49–12.6 µM) was superior to artemisinin (IC50: 72.4->100 µM), dihydroartemisinin (IC50: 69.6–89.8 µM), and Adriamycin (IC50: 4.46–>100 µM) against the three tested breast cancer cell lines. The structure–activity relationship revealed that the length of the alkyl linker between artemisinin and isatin was critical for the activity, so further structural modification could focus on evaluation of the linker. The in silico studies were used to investigate the mechanism of the most promising hybrid 4a. Target prediction, bioinformatics, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics revealed that the most promising hybrid 4a may exert anti-breast cancer activity by acting on multiple targets such as EGFR, PIK3CA, and MAPK8 and thus participating in multiple tumor-related signaling pathways.
Thermal acclimation and habitat-dependent differences in temperature robustness of a crustacean motor circuit
Authors: Stein Wolfgang , Torres Gabriela , Giménez Luis , Espinosa-Novo Noé , Geißel Jan Phillipp , Vidal-Gadea Andrés , Harzsch Steffen
Published: October 2023

Introduction

At the cellular level, acute temperature changes alter ionic conductances, ion channel kinetics, and the activity of entire neuronal circuits. This can result in severe consequences for neural function, animal behavior and survival. In poikilothermic animals, and particularly in aquatic species whose core temperature equals the surrounding water temperature, neurons experience rather rapid and wide-ranging temperature fluctuations. Recent work on pattern generating neural circuits in the crustacean stomatogastric nervous system have demonstrated that neuronal circuits can exhibit an intrinsic robustness to temperature fluctuations. However, considering the increased warming of the oceans and recurring heatwaves due to climate change, the question arises whether this intrinsic robustness can acclimate to changing environmental conditions, and whether it differs between species and ocean habitats.

Methods

We address these questions using the pyloric pattern generating circuits in the stomatogastric nervous system of two crab species, Hemigrapsus sanguineus and Carcinus maenas that have seen a worldwide expansion in recent decades.

Results and discussion

Consistent with their history as invasive species, we find that pyloric activity showed a broad temperature robustness (>30°C). Moreover, the temperature-robust range was dependent on habitat temperature in both species. Warm-acclimating animals shifted the critical temperature at which circuit activity breaks down to higher temperatures. This came at the cost of robustness against cold stimuli in H. sanguineus, but not in C. maenas. Comparing the temperature responses of C. maenas from a cold latitude (the North Sea) to those from a warm latitude (Spain) demonstrated that similar shifts in robustness occurred in natural environments. Our results thus demonstrate that neuronal temperature robustness correlates with, and responds to, environmental temperature conditions, potentially preparing animals for changing ecological conditions and shifting habitats.
Case report: MRI-negative myelitis following COVID-19 with SEP abnormalities: a case series and literature review
Authors: Kawama Kentaro , Shimazaki Rui , Sunami Yoko , Miyakoshi Natsuki , Tobisawa Shinsuke , Shimizu Toshio , Takahashi Kazushi
Published: October 2023

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is known to have various, neurological manifestations. We herein report three patients with MRI-negative myelitis following COVID-19 with abnormal somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs). Decreased amplitude of the cortical potential and prolonged latency in the SEPs contributed to diagnosing myelitis in the present patients. The SEP findings improved as the neurological symptoms improved. Despite a delay in initiating immunosuppressive treatment after myelitis onset, all the patients improved clinically. In the light of recent progress in COVID-19 research, several hypotheses can be made to explain the pathophysiology underlying MRI-negative myelitis, including antibody-binding and microglial synapse elimination.
Screening of postoperative cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome in moyamoya disease: a three-dimensional pulsed arterial-spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging approach
Authors: Gao Feng , Cong Jianhua , Duan Yu , Zhao Wei , Zhu Zhenfang , Zheng Yu , Jin Liang , Ji Ming , Li Ming
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is associated with a risk of postoperative cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) after revascularization surgery. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of using three-dimensional pulsed arterial spin labeling (3D PASL) and phase contrast (PC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for predicting CHS occurrence in patients with MMD before revascularization surgery.

Methods

Overall, 191 adult patients (207 hemispheres) with MMD who underwent combined revascularization surgery were included in this study. Preoperative 3D PASL-MRI and PC-MRI were performed before surgery. The PASL-MRI data were analyzed using SPM12. Patient clinical information, average flow, and preoperative cerebral blood flow (CBF) were compared between the non-CHS and CHS groups.

Results

Among the patients, 45 (21.74%) developed CHS after revascularization surgery. No significant differences were noted in age, sex, clinical symptoms, hypertension, diabetes, surgical side, or history of revascularization surgery between the non-CHS and CHS groups. However, the average flow in the superficial temporal artery was significantly lower in the CHS group than in the non-CHS group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 11 clusters of preoperative CBF values were significantly greater in the CHS group than in the non-CHS group [p < 0.05, false discovery rate (FDR) corrected]. A significant correlation was also observed between the preoperative time-to-flight MR angiography (MRA) scores and CBF values in patients with MMD (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Compare patients with lower preoperative CBF and higher preoperative average flow in the STA, patients with higher preoperative CBF and lower preoperative average flow in the STA are more likely to develop postoperative CHS Preoperative PASL-MRI and PC-MRI examinations may help to screen patients at high risk of developing CHS after revascularization surgery.
Dried shiitake mushroom grade recognition using D-VGG network and machine vision
Authors: Wang Li , Dong Penghao , Wang Qiao , Jia Kunming , Niu Qunfeng
Published: October 2023

Grading dried shiitake mushrooms is an indispensable production step, as there are large quality differences between different grades, which affect the product’s price and marketability. Dried shiitake mushroom samples have irregular shapes, small morphological differences between different grades of the same species, and they may occur in mixed grades, which causes challenges to the automatic grade recognition using machine vision. In this study, a comprehensive method to solve this problem is provided, including image acquisition, preprocessing, dataset creation, and grade recognition. The osprey optimization algorithm (OOA) is used to improve the computational efficiency of Otsu’s threshold binarization and obtain complete mushroom contours samples efficiently. Then, a method for dried shiitake mushroom grade recognition based on the improved VGG network (D-VGG) is proposed. The method uses the VGG16 network as the base framework, optimizes the convolutional layer of the network, and uses a global average pooling layer instead of a fully connected layer to reduce the risk of model overfitting. In addition, a residual module and batch normalization are introduced to enhance the learning effect of texture details, accelerate the convergence of the model, and improve the stability of the training process. An improved channel attention network is proposed to enhance the feature weights of different channels and improve the grading performance of the model. The experimental results show that the improved network model (D-VGG) can recognize different dried shiitake mushroom grades with high accuracy and recognition efficiency, achieving a final grading accuracy of 96.21%, with only 46.77 ms required to process a single image. The dried shiitake mushroom grade recognition method proposed in this study provides a new implementation approach for the dried shiitake mushroom quality grading process, as well as a reference for real-time grade recognition of other agricultural products.
Nutritional ingredients and prevention of chronic diseases by fermented koumiss: a comprehensive review
Authors: Xue Weikang , Yuan Xiaoxia , Ji Zhaojun , Li Hua , Yao Yitong
Published: October 2023

Koumiss, a traditional fermented dairy product made from fresh mare milk, is a sour beverage that contains an abundance of microbial communities, including lactic acid bacteria, yeast and others. Firstly, probiotics such as Lacticaseibacillus in koumiss can induce the secretion of immunoglobulin G in serum and interleukin-2 in the spleen while beneficial Saccharomyces can secrete antibacterial compounds such as citric acid and ascorbic acid for specific immunopotentiation. Additionally, more isoflavone in koumiss can regulate estrogen levels by binding to its receptors to prevent breast cancer directly. Bile salts can be converted into bile acids such as taurine or glycine by lactic acid bacteria to lower cholesterol levels in vivo. Butyric acid secretion would be increased to improve chronic gastrotis by regulating intestinal flora with lactic acid bacteria. Finally, SCFA and lCFA produced by Lacticaseibacillus inhibit the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms for diarrhea prevention. Therefore, exploring the mechanisms underlying multiple physiological functions through utilizing microbial resources in koumiss represents promising avenues for ameliorating chronic diseases.
Quantifying interaction with robotic toys in pre-term and full-term infants
Authors: Kather Collin , Shofer Frances S. , Park Jeong Inn , Bogen Daniel , Pierce Samuel R. , Kording Konrad , Nilan Kathleen A. , Zhang Huayan , Prosser Laura A. , Johnson Michelle J.
Published: October 2023

Infants born pre-term are at an increased risk for developmental, behavioral, and motor delay and subsequent disability. When these problems are detected early, clinical intervention can be effective at improving functional outcomes. Current methods of early clinical assessment are resource intensive, require extensive training, and do not always capture infants’ behavior in natural play environments. We developed the Play and Neuro Development Assessment (PANDA) Gym, an affordable, mechatronic, sensor-based play environment that can be used outside clinical settings to capture infant visual and motor behavior. Using a set of classification codes developed from the literature, we analyzed videos from 24 pre-term and full-term infants as they played with each of three robotic toys designed to elicit different types of interactions—a lion, an orangutan, and an elephant. We manually coded for frequency and duration of toy interactions such as kicking, grasping, touching, and gazing. Pre-term infants gazed at the toys with similar frequency as full-term infants, but infants born full-term physically engaged more frequently and for longer durations with the robotic toys than infants born pre-term. While we showed we could detect differences between full-term and pre-term infants, further work is needed to determine whether differences seen were primarily due to age, developmental delays, or a combination.
The neuroprotective effects of Liuwei Dihuang medicine in the APP/PS1 mouse model are dependent on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Yuan Ye , Liu Yamei , Hao Li , Ma Jinlian , Shao Simai , Yu Ziyang , Shi Ming , Zhang Zhenqiang , Zhang Zijuan
Published: October 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disease that progressively impairs cognitive function and memory. The occurrence and development of Alzheimer’s disease involves many processes. In response to the complex pathogenesis of AD, the Traditional Chinese medicine formula Liuwei Dihuang Pill (LWD) has been shown to improve the cognitive function of AD animal models. However, the active ingredients and mechanism of action of LWD have not been fully elucidated. In this study, network pharmacological analysis predicted 40 candidate compounds in LWD, acting on 227 potential targets, of which 185 were associated with AD. Through network pharmacological analysis, the mechanism of action of LWD therapy AD is related to the inhibition of inflammatory response, regulation of neuronal state, and autophagy. In this experiment, LWD was detected in the APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model. The objective was to observe the effects of LWD on hippocampal learning and memory ability, Aβ clearance, autophagy and inflammatory response in APP/PS1 mice. The results showed that LWD improved long-term memory and working memory in APP/PS1 mice compared with the WT group. At the same time, LWD can increase the expression of hippocampal autophagy biomarkers, reduce the precipitation of Aβ, and the activation of microglia and astrocytes. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Thus, we demonstrate for the first time that LWD has a neuroprotective effect on APP/PS1 mice and provide theoretical foundation for the development of a new clinical treatment for AD.
Temperature modulates PVN pre-sympathetic neurones via transient receptor potential ion channels
Authors: O’Brien Fiona , Feetham Claire H. , Staunton Caroline A. , Hext Kathryn , Barrett-Jolley Richard
Published: October 2023

The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis and modulates cardiovascular function via autonomic pre-sympathetic neurones. We have previously shown that coupling between transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V Member 4 (Trpv4) and small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (SK) in the PVN facilitate osmosensing, but since TRP channels are also thermosensitive, in this report we investigated the temperature sensitivity of these neurones.

Methods: TRP channel mRNA was quantified from mouse PVN with RT-PCR and thermosensitivity of Trpv4-like PVN neuronal ion channels characterised with cell-attached patch-clamp electrophysiology. Following recovery of temperature-sensitive single-channel kinetic schema, we constructed a predictive stochastic mathematical model of these neurones and validated this with electrophysiological recordings of action current frequency.

Results: 7 thermosensitive TRP channel genes were found in PVN punches. Trpv4 was the most abundant of these and was identified at the single channel level on PVN neurones. We investigated the thermosensitivity of these Trpv4-like channels; open probability (Po) markedly decreased when temperature was decreased, mediated by a decrease in mean open dwell times. Our neuronal model predicted that PVN spontaneous action current frequency (ACf) would increase as temperature is decreased and in our electrophysiological experiments, we found that ACf from PVN neurones was significantly higher at lower temperatures. The broad-spectrum channel blocker gadolinium (100 µM), was used to block the warm-activated, Ca2+-permeable Trpv4 channels. In the presence of gadolinium (100 µM), the temperature effect was largely retained. Using econazole (10 µM), a blocker of Trpm2, we found there were significant increases in overall ACf and the temperature effect was inhibited.

Conclusion: Trpv4, the abundantly transcribed thermosensitive TRP channel gene in the PVN appears to contribute to intrinsic thermosensitive properties of PVN neurones. At physiological temperatures (37°C), we observed relatively low ACf primarily due to the activity of Trpm2 channels, whereas at room temperature, where most of the previous characterisation of PVN neuronal activity has been performed, ACf is much higher, and appears to be predominately due to reduced Trpv4 activity. This work gives insight into the fundamental mechanisms by which the body decodes temperature signals and maintains homeostasis.
Prognostic and predictive value of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a translational study
Authors: Boyd Lenka N. C. , Nooijen Lynn E. , Ali Mahsoem , Puik Jisce R. , Moustaquim Jasmine , Fraga Rodrigues Stephanie M. , Broos Robert , Belkouz Ali , Meijer Laura L. , Le Large Tessa Y. S. , Erdmann Joris I. , Hooijer Gerrit K. J. , Heger Michal , Van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , Roos Eva , Kazemier Geert , Giovannetti Elisa , Verheij Joanne , Klümpen Heinz-Josef
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Effective (neo) adjuvant chemotherapy for cholangiocarcinoma is lacking due to chemoresistance and the absence of predictive biomarkers. Human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) has been described as a potential prognostic and predictive biomarker. In this study, the potential of rabbit-derived (SP120) and murine-derived (10D7G2) antibodies to detect hENT1 expression was compared in tissue samples of patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC), and the predictive value of hENT1 was investigated in three ECC cell lines.

Methods: Tissues of 71 chemonaïve patients with histological confirmation of ECC were selected and stained with SP120 or 10D7G2 to assess the inter-observer variability for both antibodies and the correlation with overall survival. Concomitantly, gemcitabine sensitivity after hENT1 knockdown was assessed in the ECC cell lines EGI-1, TFK-1, and SK-ChA-1 using sulforhodamine B assays.

Results: Scoring immunohistochemistry for hENT1 expression with the use of SP120 antibody resulted in the highest interobserver agreement but did not show a prognostic role of hENT1. However, 10D7G2 showed a prognostic role for hENT1, and a potential predictive role for gemcitabine sensitivity in hENT1 in SK-ChA-1 and TFK-1 cells was found.

Discussion: These findings prompt further studies for both preclinical validation of the role of hENT1 and histochemical standardization in cholangiocarcinoma patients treated with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy.
Androgen deprivation therapy plus apalutamide as neoadjuvant therapy prior radical prostatectomy for patients with unresectable prostate cancer
Authors: Wei Yongbao , Zhang Ruochen , Zhong Dewen , Chen Zhensheng , Chen Gen , Yang Minggen , Lin Le , Li Tao , Ye Liefu , Chen Lili , Zhu Qingguo
Published: October 2023

Whether neoadjuvant therapy confers a survival benefit in advanced prostate cancer (PCa) remains uncertain. The primary endpoints of previous retrospective and phase II clinical studies that used neoadjuvant therapy, including androgen deprivation therapy combined with new-generation androgen receptor signaling inhibitors or chemotherapy, were pathological downstaging, progression-free survival, prostate-specific antigen relief, and local symptom improvement. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have explored the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant therapy in improving the surgical resection rate in cases of unresectable primary tumors of PCa. We first designed this retrospective study to evaluate the potential value of apalutamide as neoadjuvant therapy in improving the resectability rate of radical prostatectomy (RP). We initially reported 7 patients with unresectable primary lesions who underwent neoadjuvant apalutamide treatment for a median of 4 months, and all of them successfully underwent RP treatment. Our study supported apalutamide as neoadjuvant therapy, which helped improve RP’s success rate and did not significantly increase perioperative complications, and the neoadjuvant therapy was controllable. Our findings’ clinical value and benefit for survival still need further clinical research to confirm.
Magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis of suspected neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome-a systematic scoping review
Authors: Szaro Pawel , Suresh Rohan , Molokwu Brian , Sibala Dhiraj Raju , Mendiratta Dhruv , Chu Alice , McGrath Aleksandra
Published: October 2023

Background: Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (nTOS) is a rare pathology caused by dynamic conditions or compression of neurovascular structures in the thoracic outlet region. nTOS can be difficult to diagnose due to nonspecific symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques are increasingly used to aid the diagnosis and surgical planning. This scoping systematic review explores how MRI is used for diagnosing nTOS and summarizes details of published MRI protocols.

Methods: A systematic screening of PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases using PRISMA-IPD guidelines was conducted in September 2022 to include full-text English papers on MRI and nTOS. Inclusion criteria involved studies describing MRI protocols for the diagnosis of TOS, with a focus on the imaging sequences and protocols.

Results: 6289 papers were screened to include 28 papers containing details of MRI protocols. The details of MRI protocols in the analyzed articles were incomplete in all studies. Most authors used 1.5T systems and included T1 and T2-weighted sequences. Most studies applied fat suppression, mainly with STIR. Positioning of the arm differed between studies, including neutral, hyperabducted and abducted and externally rotated positions.

Conclusion: Our review highlights a prevalent lack of detailed MRI protocol documentation for brachial plexus. Authors primarily rely on conventional 1.5T systems, employing standard T1 and T2-weighted sequences. The adoption of novel MRI sequences is notably lacking, and fat suppression techniques predominantly adhere to older methods as STIR. There is a clear imperative for authors to provide more comprehensive reporting of the MRI protocols utilized in their studies, ultimately enhancing comparability and clinical applicability. Establishing clear protocol reporting guidelines is crucial to allow for comparison between studies.
Discrepancy of eye injuries in mechanism, clinical features, and vision prognosis by different causative sports
Authors: Zhang Ying , Jia Hongzhen , Kang Xin , Yang Qinghua , Ying Jun , Wu Qiong , Zheng Zhong , Zhang Hongtao
Published: October 2023

Objective

To investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of sports-related eye injuries in China, as well as how they differ depending on the sport or other specific factor that caused them.

Methods

Consecutive medical records from 2015 to 2019 of sports-related eye injuries from a standardized database in nine tertiary referral hospitals in China were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.

Results

A total of 377 eyes in 376 inpatients (mean age, 22.5 ± 7.3 years; men:women 15.4:1) were included. Soccer (46.8%), basketball (27.1%), and badminton (16.8%) were the top three sports that caused injury. Ball strikes (74.7%), physical collision (13.8%), and racket/equipment beating (9.0%) were the common specific causes of injury. Blunt force injuries (95.8%) and close globe injuries (95.1%) accounted for the majority of injuries. Open globe injuries occurred more in basketball (8.3%) than in other sports, mainly due to physical collision (12.8%) and racket/equipment beating (11.8%). Basketball (13.4%) or physical collision (21.3%) caused Zone I injuries more frequently than other sports. Soccer (60.5%) and basketball (54.6%) caused more injuries to the posterior segment of the eyeball than other sports, mainly due to ball strikes (96.6%). Badminton (69.8%) and racket beating (61.8%) caused more Zone II globe injuries than other sports. In badminton, the percentage of hyphema (85.7%), the most typical symptom of eye damage, and ultimate visual acuity (VA) ≥20/40 (88.9%) was the greatest. A final low vision score of (≤4/200) was observed in 10.6% of all participants, including three participants who had an eye removed due to rupturing. The final VA was positively correlated with the presenting VA (r = 0.421).

Conclusion

Sports can lead to high proportions of ocular contusion injury and low vision. VA prognosis is closely related to initial VA following ocular sports trauma, which is directly determined by the causative sports and/or the specific causes. Effective eye protection is imperative to avoid or reduce visual impairments of sports participants.
Civic engagement and mental health trajectories in Norwegian youth
Authors: Wiium Nora , Kristensen Sara Madeleine , Årdal Elisabeth , Bøe Tormod , Gaspar de Matos Margarida , Karhina Kateryna , Larsen Torill Marie Bogsnes , Urke Helga Bjørnøy , Wold Bente
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Applying variable-centered analytical approaches, several studies have found an association between civic engagement and youth mental health. In the present study, we used a person-centered approach to explore whether civic engagement was related to optimal trajectories of mental health compared to other trajectories. We also examined how sociodemographic factors, such as socioeconomic status (SES), gender and age were related to youth mental health trajectories.

Methods

Our sample comprised 675 students (aged 16–22) who had participated in three waves of data collection (Mage = 18.85, SD = 0.55; 43% males) in the COMPLETE project, a cluster-randomized controlled trial that involved Norwegian upper secondary schools.

Results

The results revealed three trajectories of mental health (reflecting a combination of mental distress and mental well-being): optimal, intermediate, and sub-optimal. Contrary to our expectations, higher levels of civic engagement were not related to the optimal trajectory of mental health vs. other trajectories. However, we found that students who reported higher levels of SES and males were more likely to follow the optimal trajectory compared to other trajectories.

Discussion

While the findings on civic engagement could be due to our measurement’s inability to capture the concept of “dugnad,” a well-established civic activity in the Norwegian society, the findings regarding the influence of SES and gender suggest that there is still more work to be done concerning the assessment and advancement of factors that can address mental health inequalities across SES and gender.
Blood donation practice and its associated factors among Polish population: secondary data analysis
Authors: Siekierska Barbara , Tomaszek Lucyna , Kurleto Paulina , Turkanik Edyta , Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska Wioletta
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Blood transfusion is an intervention widely used in therapeutics (e.g., in the perioperative period), thus, knowledge about factors associated with blood donation is important. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of sociodemographic factors, personal values and life satisfaction on blood donation in Poland.

Methods

Secondary analysis of data. A multiple logistic regression was carried out to assess the relationship between sociodemographic factors, life satisfaction (Satisfaction with Life Scale), personal values (Personal Values List) and blood donation.

Results

Of the 770 respondents aged 18–65 years, 262 respondents (34%) donated blood at least once in their lives. Respondents who believed that blood donation is safe (OR = 1.71; Cl95%: 1.20 to 2.43), were male (OR = 1.47; Cl95%: 1.26 to 1.72), married (OR = 1.31; Cl95%: 1.11 to 1.54) and those with high school education (OR = 0.81; Cl95%: 0.66 to 0.99) were more often blood donors.

Conclusion

Perceived blood donation safety and sociodemographic factors such as gender, marital status, and education level may influence blood donation. Health education is necessary to increase knowledge and shape positive attitudes toward blood donation among the society.