bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Value of CT-Based Radiomics for Predicting Spread Through Air Spaces in Stage IA Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Han Xiaoyu , Fan Jun , Zheng Yuting , Ding Chengyu , Zhang Xiaohui , Zhang Kailu , Wang Na , Jia Xi , Li Yumin , Liu Jia , Zheng Jinlong , Shi Heshui
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Spread through air spaces (STAS), a new invasive pattern in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), is a risk factor for poor outcome in early-stage LUAD. This study aimed to develop and validate a CT-based radiomics model for predicting STAS in stage IA LUAD.

Methods

A total of 395 patients (169 STAS positive and 226 STAS negative cases, including 316 and 79 patients in the training and test sets, respectively) with stage IA LUAD before surgery were retrospectively included. On all CT images, tumor size, types of nodules (solid, mix ground-glass opacities [mGGO] and pure GGO [pGGO]), and GGO percentage were recorded. Region of interest (ROI) segmentation was performed semi-automatically, and 1,037 radiomics features were extracted from every segmented lesion. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), Pearson’s correlation analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalized logistic regression were used to filter unstable (ICC < 0.75) and redundant features (r > 0.8). A temporary model was established by multivariable logistic regression (LR) analysis based on selected radiomics features. Then, seven radiomics features contributing the most were selected for establishing the radiomics model. We then built two predictive models (clinical-CT model and MixModel) based on clinical and CT features only, and the combination of clinical-CT and Rad-score, respectively. The performances of these three models were assessed.

Results

The radiomics model achieved good performance with an area under of curve (AUC) of 0.812 in the training set, versus 0.850 in the test set. Furthermore, compared with the clinical-CT model, both radiomics model and MixModel showed higher AUC and better net benefit to patients in the training and test cohorts.

Conclusion

The CT-based radiomics model showed satisfying diagnostic performance in early-stage LUAD for preoperatively predicting STAS, with superiority over the clinical-CT model.
Development and Validation of a CT-Based Radiomics Nomogram in Patients With Anterior Mediastinal Mass: Individualized Options for Preoperative Patients
Authors: Zhou Zhou , Qu Yanjuan , Zhou Yurong , Wang Binchen , Hu Weidong , Cao Yiyuan
Published: July 2022

Background

To improve the preoperative diagnostic accuracy and reduce the non-therapeutic thymectomy rate, we established a comprehensive predictive nomogram based on radiomics data and computed tomography (CT) features and further explored its potential use in clinical decision-making for anterior mediastinal masses (AMMs).

Methods

A total of 280 patients, including 280 with unenhanced CT (UECT) and 241 with contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) scans, all of whom had undergone thymectomy for AMM with confirmed histopathology, were enrolled in this study. A total of 1,288 radiomics features were extracted from each labeled mass. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator model was used to select the optimal radiomics features in the training set to construct the radscore. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to establish a combined clinical radiographic radscore model, and an individualized prediction nomogram was developed.

Results

In the UECT dataset, radscore and the UECT ratio were selected for the nomogram. The combined model achieved higher accuracy (AUC: 0.870) than the clinical model (AUC: 0.752) for the prediction of therapeutic thymectomy probability. In the CECT dataset, the clinical and combined models achieved higher accuracy (AUC: 0.851 and 0.836, respectively) than the radscore model (AUC: 0.618) for the prediction of therapeutic thymectomy probability.

Conclusions

In patients who underwent UECT only, a nomogram integrating the radscore and the UECT ratio achieved good accuracy in predicting therapeutic thymectomy in AMMs. However, the use of radiomics in patients with CECT scans did not improve prediction performance; therefore, a clinical model is recommended.
CSTF2 Promotes Hepatocarcinogenesis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression via Aerobic Glycolysis
Authors: Chen Zhimin , Hao Weijie , Tang Jingzhi , Gao Wei-Qiang , Xu Huiming
Published: July 2022

Background

The shortening of 3’ untranslated regions (3’UTRs) of messenger RNAs(mRNAs) by alternative polyadenylation (APA) is an important mechanism for oncogene activation. Cleavage stimulation factor 2 (CSTF2), an important regulator of APA, has been reported to have a tumorigenic function in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder and lung cancers. However, the tumor-promoting role of CSTF2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear.

Methods

Multiple databases were used to analyze the expression level and prognostic value of CSTF2 in HCC. Function enrichment analysis was used to investigate the molecular mechanism of CSTF2 for the occurrence and development of HCC. The biological function in HCC cell lines in vitro was determined by CCK8, colony formation, Transwell migration, and invasion assay. Moreover, the tumorigenic function of CSTF2 in vivo was measured by a subcutaneous tumor formation or injecting four plasmids into a mouse tail vein within 5–7 s in an immunocompetent HCC mouse model. In addition, aerobic glycolysis in HCC cells was determined by measuring the extracellular acid rate (ECAR) and extracellular glucose and lactate levels.

Results

Bioinformatics analysis revealed that CSTF2 was overexpressed in HCC tissues. The high expression of CSTF2 was correlated with a poor prognosis and high histological grades. CSTF2 knockout inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. In addition, CSTF2 knockout HCC cells failed to form tumors by a subcutaneous graft experiment. Furthermore, endogenous CSTF2 knockout attenuated hepatocarcinogenesis in an immunocompetent HCC mouse model. Function enrichment analysis suggested that the high expression of CSTF2 was associated with enhanced glycolysis. Moreover, we found that CSTF2 knockout reduced the level of the short 3’ UTR isoform of hexokinase 2 and increased its level of long 3’UTR. Furthermore, CSTF2 knockout inhibited ECAR levels, glucose uptake, and lactate production.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that CSTF2 is highly expressed in HCC and is correlated with a poor prognosis and high histological grade. The knockout of CSTF2 inhibits the tumorigenesis and procession of HCC both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, CSTF2 is associated with enhanced glycolysis. Therefore, this study suggests that CSTF2 might be a new prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.
Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin, Docetaxel, and Trastuzumab as Neoadjuvant Treatment for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients: A Phase II and Biomarker Study
Authors: Wang Haoqi , Li Yuntao , Qi Yixin , Zhao Erbao , Kong Xiangshun , Yang Chao , Yang Qiqi , Zhang Chengyuan , Liu Yueping , Song Zhenchuan
Published: July 2022

Background

Combined neoadjuvant chemotherapy with trastuzumab and pertuzumab is the standard regimen for human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer (BC). However, pertuzumab is not available because it is not on the market or covered by medicare in some regions or poor economy. Anthracyclines and taxanes are cornerstones in BC chemotherapy, and their combination contributes to satisfactory efficiency in neoadjuvant settings. Nonetheless, concomitant administration of trastuzumab and an anthracycline is generally avoided clinically due to cardiotoxicity. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is less cardiotoxic compared with traditional anthracyclines. Here, we conducted this prospective study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and potential biomarkers for PLD plus trastuzumab and docetaxel as neoadjuvant treatment in HER2-positive BC.

Patients and Methods

Patients with stage II or III HER2-positive BC were recruited in this multicenter, open-label, single-arm, phase II study. Eligible patients were given 6 cycles of PLD plus docetaxel and trastuzumab. Primary endpoint was total pathological complete response (tpCR, ypT0/is ypN0). Secondary endpoints were breast pathological complete response (bpCR, ypT0/is), objective response rate (ORR), operation rate, breast-conserving surgery rate, and safety. Metadherin (MTDH), glutaminyl-peptide cyclotransferase (QPCT), topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A), programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were evaluated in BC tissues pre-neoadjuvant for potential biomarkers.

Results

Between March 2019 and February 2021, 54 patients were enrolled, 50 were included in the analysis, and 35 (70.0%) completed 6 cycles of neoadjuvant treatment. Forty-nine (98.0%) patients underwent surgery with a breast-conserving rate of 44.0%. The tpCR rate, bpCR rate, and ORR were 48.0% (95% CI, 33.7%–62.6%), 60.0% (95% CI, 45.2%–73.6%), and 84.0% (95% CI, 70.9%–92.8%), respectively. tpCR was associated with MTDH (p = 0.002) and QPCT (p = 0.036) expression but not with TOP2A (p = 0.75), PD-L1 (p = 0.155), or TILs (p = 0.76). Patients with HR-negative status were more likely to achieve bpCR compared with those with HR-positive status (76.2% vs. 48.3%, p = 0.047). Grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 38.0% of patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction decline by ≥10% was reported in 18.0% of patients, and no patient experienced congestive heart failure.

Conclusions

PLD plus docetaxel and trastuzumab might be a potential neoadjuvant regimen for HER2-positive BC with a high tpCR rate and manageable tolerability. MTDH and QPCT are potential predictive markers for tpCR.
Inhibition of Osteoblast Differentiation by JAK2V617F Megakaryocytes Derived From Male Mice With Primary Myelofibrosis
Authors: Karagianni Aikaterini , Matsuura Shinobu , Gerstenfeld Louis C. , Ravid Katya
Published: July 2022

Past studies described interactions between normal megakaryocytes, the platelet precursors, and bone cell precursors in the bone marrow. This relationship has also been studied in context of various mutations associated with increased number of megakaryocytes. The current study is the first to examine the effects of megakaryocytes from transgenic mice carrying the most common mutation that causes primary myelofibrosis (PMF) in humans (JAK2V617F) on bone cell differentiation. Organ level assessments of mice using micro-computed tomography showed decreased bone volume in JAK2V617F males, compared to matching controls. Tissue level histology revealed increased deposition of osteoid (bone matrix prior mineralization) in these mutated mice, suggesting an effect on osteoblast differentiation. Mechanistic studies using a megakaryocyte-osteoblast co-culture system, showed that both wild type or JAK2V617F megakaryocytes derived from male mice inhibited osteoblast differentiation, but JAK2V617F cells exerted a more significant inhibitory effect. A mouse mRNA osteogenesis array showed increased expression of Noggin, Chordin, Alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, Collagen type IV alpha 1 and Collagen type XIV alpha 1 (mostly known to inhibit bone differentiation), and decreased expression of alkaline phosphatase, Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, Sclerostin, Distal-less homeobox 5 and Collagen type III alpha 1 (associated with osteogenesis) in JAK2V617F megakaryocytes, compared to controls. This suggested that the mutation re-programs megakaryocytes to express a cluster of genes, which together could orchestrate greater suppression of osteogenesis in male mice. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the effect of JAK2V617F mutation on bone, encouraging future examination of patients with this or other PMF-inducing mutations.
Prostate Cancer Stem Cells: Clinical Aspects and Targeted Therapies
Authors: Wolf Isis , Gratzke Christian , Wolf Philipp
Published: July 2022

Despite decades of research and successful improvements in diagnosis and therapy, prostate cancer (PC) remains a major challenge. In recent years, it has become clear that PC stem cells (PCSCs) are the driving force in tumorigenesis, relapse, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance of PC. In this minireview, we discuss the impact of PCSCs in the clinical practice. Moreover, new therapeutic approaches to combat PCSCs are presented with the aim to achieve an improved outcome for patients with PC.
The Durable Effect of Pyrotinib Plus Trastuzumab and Chemotherapy in HER2-Positive Gastric Cancer With Brain Metastases: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Xinwei , Zeng Yun , Zhang Junling , Huang Mengli , Yin Bijian
Published: July 2022

Gastric cancer (GC) is a disease with macromolecular phenotypic heterogeneity and poor prognosis, especially for metastatic GC (mGC). Chemotherapy is the first choice for second-line treatment. However, the benefits of second-line chemotherapy are limited, so there is an urgent need for new treatment regimens to improve patient outcomes. A 65-year-old man with mGC was HER-2 positive. Standard trastuzumab, combined with chemotherapy, was given in the first-line therapy and progression-free survival (PFS) was 8 months. Second-line treatment with pyrotinib in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy yielded a PFS of 20 months, in sharp contrast to a median survival of 2.9-6.2 months for a majority of advanced GC patients. This case provides a meaningful reference for the second-line treatment of mGC patients with HER-2 positive. This case also provides valuable information on the response to pyrotinib plus trastuzumab of patients with brain metastases and a better understanding of dual target combination therapy applications in the future.
Clinical Characteristics and Short-Term Prognosis of Children With Antibody-Mediated Autoimmune Encephalitis: A Single-Center Cohort Study
Authors: Kang Qingyun , Liao Hongmei , Yang Liming , Fang Hongjun , Hu Wenjing , Wu Liwen
Published: July 2022

Background

The incidence and prevalence of autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is gradually increasing in pediatric patients (between the ages of 3 months and 16 years). The aim of this retrospective observational study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and short-term prognosis of children with antibody-mediated AE at Hunan Children's Hospital.

Methods

Antibody analysis of blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid was performed in suspected AE patients admitted to the Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital from June 2014 to June 2021. Ultimately, 103 patients were diagnosed with antibody-mediated AE and were enrolled in this study. Clinical data and corresponding demographic, clinical characteristics, laboratory and imaging data, treatment, and prognosis data were collected and analyzed.

Results

In our study, 103 AE patients with antibody-positive were identified. The main subtype of AE in our cohort was anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Few patients have anti-CASPR2 encephalitis, anti-GABABR encephalitis, or anti-LGI1 encephalitis. In our AE patients, the most common clinical manifestations were behavioral symptoms, seizures, and involuntary movements, with seizures being the most common initial symptom. All patients underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG). Forty-five (43.7%) patients had abnormal MRI findings. And 96 (93.2%) patients had abnormal EEG results. All 103 patients were given first-line immunotherapy, 21 of which were also treated with the combination of the second-line immunotherapy. All surviving patients were followed up for at least 6 months. Seventy-seven patients recovered completely, 23 had sequelae of different degrees, and 3 died. Eight patients had one or more relapses during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

AE is a treatable disease that can occur in children of all ages. The mortality rate is low, as most patients have a good response to immune therapy. Compared with the older children, infants and young children (≤ 3 years old) with anti-NMDAR encephalitis have a higher incidence of fever and status epilepticus, more severe condition, higher PICU admission rate and worse prognosis. AE patients with high maximum mRS scores and PICU admissions may require second-line immunotherapy.
A Process for the Design and Development of Novel Bone Morphogenetic Protein-7 (BMP-7) Mimetics With an Example: THR-184
Authors: Carlson William D. , Keck Peter C. , Bosukonda Dattatreyamurty , Carlson Frederic Roy
Published: July 2022

Growth Factors have been evaluated as therapeutic targets for the treatment of a broad spectrum of diseases. Because they are proteins with pleiotropic effects, the quest to harness their beneficial effects has presented challenges. Most Growth Factors operate at the extracellular-receptor level and have natural feedback mechanisms that modulate their effects. As proteins, they are difficult and expensive to manufacture. Frequently proteins must be administered parenterally, may invoke an immune response, and may be neutralized by naturally occurring inhibitors. To circumvent these limitations, we have undertaken an effort to develop mimetics for the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling pathway effects that incorporate the beneficial effects, eliminate the deleterious effects, and thereby create effective drug-like compounds.To this end, we have designed and tested a family of small peptide BMP mimetics. The design used the three-dimensional structure of BMP-7 to identify likely active surface regions. Lead sequences were then optimized based on in vitro assays that examine the selective binding to BMP receptors, demonstrate the phosphorylation of Smad-1,5,8, detect anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammation, and block the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in renal tubular epithelial cells. These sequences were further optimized using in vivo assays of the attenuation of acute kidney injury in a rat-model of unilateral clamp ischemic reperfusion. This process uses a Structure Variance Analysis algorithm (SVA) to identify structure/activity relationships. One member of this family, THR-184, is an agonist of BMP signaling and a potent antagonist of TGFβ signaling. This small peptide mimetic inhibits inflammation, apoptosis, fibrosis and reverses epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) by regulating multiple signaling pathways involved in the cellular injury of multiple organs. Its effects have been shown to control Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). THR-184 has progressed through phase I and II clinical trials for the prevention of Cardio-Vascular Surgery (CVS) associated AKI. This work provides a roadmap for the development of other growth factor mimetics and demonstrates how we might harness their therapeutic potential.
Potential Serum Biomarkers Associated with Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes in the First Trimester
Authors: An Zhuoling , Zhao Rui , Han Feifei , Sun Yuan , Liu Yanping , Liu Lihong
Published: July 2022

Premature rupture of the fetal membranes (PROM) is a common and important obstetric complication with increased risk of adverse consequences for both mothers and fetuses. An accurate and timely method to predict the occurrence of PROM is needed for ensuring maternal and fetal safety. Untargeted metabolomics was applied to characterize metabolite profiles related to PROM in early pregnancy. 41 serum samples from pregnant women who developed PROM later in gestation and 106 from healthy pregnant women as a control group, were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was adjusted to analyze a PROM prediction model in the first trimester. A WISH amniotic cell viability assay was applied to explore the underlying mechanisms involved in PROM, mediated by C8-dihydroceramide used to mimic a potential biomarker (Cer 40:0; O2). Compared with healthy controls, 13 serum metabolites were identified. The prediction model comprising four compounds (Cer 40:0; O2, sphingosine, isohexanal and PC O-38:4) had moderate accuracy to predict PROM events with the maximum area under the curve of a receiver operating characteristics curve of approximately 0.70. Of these four compounds, Cer 40:0; O2 with an 1.81-fold change between PROM and healthy control serum samples was defined as a potential biomarker and inhibited the viability of WISH cells. This study sheds light on predicting PROM in early pregnancy and on understanding the underlying mechanism of PROM.

Trial Registration: This study protocol has been registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov, CT03651934, on 29 August 2018 (prior to recruitment).
Shumian Capsule Improves the Sleep Disorder and Mental Symptoms Through Melatonin Receptors in Sleep-Deprived Mice
Authors: Li Wenhua , Cheng Yinlong , Zhang Yi , Qian Yazhi , Wu Mo , Huang Wei , Yang Nan , Liu Yanyong
Published: July 2022

Healthy sleep is vital to maintaining the body's homeostasis. With the development of modern society, sleep disorder has gradually become one of the most epidemic health problems worldwide. Shumian capsule (SMC), a kind of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) commonly used for insomnia, exhibits antidepressant and sedative effects in clinical practice. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully clarified. With the aid of a network pharmacology approach and function enrichment analysis, we identified the involvement of melatonin receptors in the antidepressant and sedative effects of SMC. In sleep-deprived mice, SMC treatment significantly alleviated insomnia and relevant mental alterations by improving both sleep latency and sleep duration. However, ramelteon, a selective melatonin receptor agonist that has been approved for the treatment of insomnia, only improved sleep latency. Additionally, SMC exhibited comparable effects on mental alterations with ramelteon as determined by an open-field test (OFT) and forced swimming test (FST). Mechanistically, we revealed that the melatonin receptor MT1 and MT2 signaling pathways involved the therapeutic effects of SMC. In addition to the single effect of traditional melatonin receptor agonists on treating sleep onset insomnia, SMC had therapeutic potential for various sleep disorders, such as sleep onset insomnia and sleep maintenance insomnia. Convergingly, our findings provide theoretical support for the clinical application of SMC.
The Role of ASIC1a in Inflammatory Immune Diseases: A Potential Therapeutic Target
Authors: Wang Yinghong , Hu Xiaojie , Sun Yancai , Huang Yan
Published: July 2022

It is acknowledged that chronic inflammation is associated with a rise in extracellular proton concentrations. The acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) belongs to the extracellular H+-activated cation channel family. Recently, many studies have been conducted on ASIC1a and inflammatory immune diseases. Here, in this review, we will focus on the role of ASIC1a in several inflammatory immune diseases so as to provide new perspectives for clinical treatment.
A Quantum-Inspired Tensor Network Algorithm for Constrained Combinatorial Optimization Problems
Authors: Hao Tianyi , Huang Xuxin , Jia Chunjing , Peng Cheng
Published: July 2022

Combinatorial optimization is of general interest for both theoretical study and real-world applications. Fast-developing quantum algorithms provide a different perspective on solving combinatorial optimization problems. In this paper, we propose a quantum-inspired tensor-network-based algorithm for general locally constrained combinatorial optimization problems. Our algorithm constructs a Hamiltonian for the problem of interest, effectively mapping it to a quantum problem, then encodes the constraints directly into a tensor network state and solves the optimal solution by evolving the system to the ground state of the Hamiltonian. We demonstrate our algorithm with the open-pit mining problem, which results in a quadratic asymptotic time complexity. Our numerical results show the effectiveness of this construction and potential applications in further studies for general combinatorial optimization problems.
Overview of Methods for Noise and Heat Reduction in MRI Gradient Coils
Authors: Motovilova Elizaveta , Winkler Simone Angela
Published: July 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gradient coils produce acoustic noise due to coil conductor vibrations caused by large Lorentz forces. Accurate sound pressure levels and modeling of heating are essential for the assessment of gradient coil safety. This work reviews the state-of-the-art numerical methods used in accurate gradient coil modeling and prediction of sound pressure levels (SPLs) and temperature rise. We review several approaches proposed for noise level reduction of high-performance gradient coils, with a maximum noise reduction of 20 decibels (dB) demonstrated. An efficient gradient cooling technique is also presented.
Prolonged Extreme Cold Water Diving and the Acute Stress Response During Military Dive Training
Authors: Kelly Karen R. , Arrington Laura J. , Bernards Jake R. , Jensen Andrew E.
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Cold water exposure poses a unique physiological challenge to the human body. Normally, water submersion increases activation of parasympathetic tone to induce bradycardia in order to compensate for hemodynamic shifts and reduce oxygen consumption by peripheral tissues. However, elevated stress, such as that which may occur due to prolonged cold exposure, may shift the sympatho-vagal balance towards sympathetic activation which may potentially negate the dive reflex and impact thermoregulation.

Objective: To quantify the acute stress response during prolonged extreme cold water diving and to determine the influence of acute stress on thermoregulation.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-one (n = 21) subjects tasked with cold water dive training participated. Divers donned standard diving equipment and fully submerged to a depth of ≈20 feet, in a pool chilled to 4°C, for a 9-h training exercise. Pre- and post-training measures included: core and skin temperature; salivary alpha amylase (AA), cortisol (CORT), osteocalcin (OCN), testosterone (TEST) and dehydroepiandosterone (DHEA); body weight; blood glucose, lactate, and ketones.

Results: Core, skin, and extremity temperature decreased (p < 0.001) over the 9-h dive; however, core temperature was maintained above the clinical threshold for hypothermia and was not correlated to body size (p = 0.595). There was a significant increase in AA (p < 0.001) and OCN (p = 0.021) and a significant decrease in TEST (p = 0.003) over the duration of the dive. An indirect correlation between changes in cortisol concentrations and changes in foot temperature (ρ = -0.5,p = 0.042) were observed. There was a significant positive correlation between baseline OCN and change in hand temperature (ρ = 0.66, p = 0.044) and significant indirect correlation between changes in OCN concentrations and changes in hand temperature (ρ = -0.59, p = 0.043).

Conclusion: These data suggest that long-duration, cold water diving initiates a stress response—as measurable by salivary stress biomarkers—and that peripheral skin temperature decreases over the course of these dives. Cumulatively, these data suggest that there is a relationship between the acute stress response and peripheral thermoregulation.
A Sedentary and Unhealthy Lifestyle Fuels Chronic Disease Progression by Changing Interstitial Cell Behaviour: A Network Analysis
Authors: Huston Patricia
Published: July 2022

Managing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, chronic lung disease and Alzheimer’s disease, account for a large proportion of health care spending, yet they remain in the top causes of premature mortality and are preventable. It is currently accepted that an unhealthy lifestyle fosters a state of chronic low-grade inflammation that is linked to chronic disease progression. Although this is known to be related to inflammatory cytokines, how an unhealthy lifestyle causes cytokine release and how that in turn leads to chronic disease progression are not well known. This article presents a theory that an unhealthy lifestyle fosters chronic disease by changing interstitial cell behavior and is supported by a six-level hierarchical network analysis. The top three networks include the macroenvironment, social and cultural factors, and lifestyle itself. The fourth network includes the immune, autonomic and neuroendocrine systems and how they interact with lifestyle factors and with each other. The fifth network identifies the effects these systems have on the microenvironment and two types of interstitial cells: macrophages and fibroblasts. Depending on their behaviour, these cells can either help maintain and restore normal function or foster chronic disease progression. When macrophages and fibroblasts dysregulate, it leads to chronic low-grade inflammation, fibrosis, and eventually damage to parenchymal (organ-specific) cells. The sixth network considers how macrophages change phenotype. Thus, a pathway is identified through this hierarchical network to reveal how external factors and lifestyle affect interstitial cell behaviour. This theory can be tested and it needs to be tested because, if correct, it has profound implications. Not only does this theory explain how chronic low-grade inflammation causes chronic disease progression, it also provides insight into salutogenesis, or the process by which health is maintained and restored. Understanding low-grade inflammation as a stalled healing process offers a new strategy for chronic disease management. Rather than treating each chronic disease separately by a focus on parenchymal pathology, a salutogenic strategy of optimizing interstitial health could prevent and mitigate multiple chronic diseases simultaneously.
Relationship Between Metabolites of Vitamin D, Free 25-(OH)D, and Physical Performance in Indoor and Outdoor Athletes
Authors: Książek Anna , Zagrodna Aleksandra , Słowińska-Lisowska Małgorzata , Lombardi Giovanni
Published: July 2022

The potential effects of vitamin D in athletes have received considerable attention in the literature. However, little is known about vitamin D metabolites and their association with physical performance in athletes. Therefore, the aim of our study was to determine the relationship between metabolites of vitamin D, vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), free, bioavailable 25-(OH)D, and physical fitness tests in athletes. A total of 40 indoor and outdoor players (16 judoists and 24 football players) participated in the study. Vitamin D metabolites (25-(OH)D, 24,25-(OH)2D3, 3-epi-25-(OH)D3, and 1,25-(OH)2D) were assessed using LM-MS/MS. Free 25-(OH)D concentration was evaluated by calculation using serum albumin and VDBP levels. Athletic performance was assessed using handgrip and vertical jump. Our study showed a significant correlation between vitamin D metabolites and handgrip strength and vertical jump variables in indoor players. It demonstrated a significant association between 3-epi-25-(OH)D3 and vertical jump parameters in outdoor players. The results of our study showed relationship between free, bioavailable 25-(OH)D, and vertical jump variables in indoor players. In conclusion, we provide novel information on the vitamin D metabolites and athletic performance in athletes. Based on the results of our study, we concluded that vitamin D metabolites might be involved in skeletal muscle function in relation to athletic performance.
How Reproducibility Will Accelerate Discovery Through Collaboration in Physio-Logging
Authors: Czapanskiy Max F. , Beltran Roxanne S.
Published: July 2022

What new questions could ecophysiologists answer if physio-logging research was fully reproducible? We argue that technical debt (computational hurdles resulting from prioritizing short-term goals over long-term sustainability) stemming from insufficient cyberinfrastructure (field-wide tools, standards, and norms for analyzing and sharing data) trapped physio-logging in a scientific silo. This debt stifles comparative biological analyses and impedes interdisciplinary research. Although physio-loggers (e.g., heart rate monitors and accelerometers) opened new avenues of research, the explosion of complex datasets exceeded ecophysiology’s informatics capacity. Like many other scientific fields facing a deluge of complex data, ecophysiologists now struggle to share their data and tools. Adapting to this new era requires a change in mindset, from “data as a noun” (e.g., traits, counts) to “data as a sentence”, where measurements (nouns) are associate with transformations (verbs), parameters (adverbs), and metadata (adjectives). Computational reproducibility provides a framework for capturing the entire sentence. Though usually framed in terms of scientific integrity, reproducibility offers immediate benefits by promoting collaboration between individuals, groups, and entire fields. Rather than a tax on our productivity that benefits some nebulous greater good, reproducibility can accelerate the pace of discovery by removing obstacles and inviting a greater diversity of perspectives to advance science and society. In this article, we 1) describe the computational challenges facing physio-logging scientists and connect them to the concepts of technical debt and cyberinfrastructure, 2) demonstrate how other scientific fields overcame similar challenges by embracing computational reproducibility, and 3) present a framework to promote computational reproducibility in physio-logging, and bio-logging more generally.
Skeletal Muscle Tissue Saturation Changes Measured Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy During Exercise Are Associated With Post-Occlusive Reactive Hyperaemia
Authors: Jones Siana , Tillin Therese , Williams Suzanne , Rapala Alicja , Chaturvedi Nishi , Hughes Alun D.
Published: July 2022

Measuring local haemodynamics in skeletal muscle has the potential to provide valuable insight into the oxygen delivery to tissue, especially during high demand situations such as exercise. The aim of this study was to compare the skeletal muscle microvascular response during post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia (PORH) with the response to exercise, each measured using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and to establish if associations exist between muscle measures and exercise capacity or sex. Participants were from a population-based cohort study, the Southall and Brent Revisited (SABRE) study. Skeletal muscle measures included changes in tissue saturation index at the onset of exercise (∆TSIBL-INC) and across the whole of exercise (∆TSIBL-EE), time to 50%, 95% and 100% PORH, rate of PORH recovery, area under the curve (AUC) and total oxygenated Haemoglobin (oxy-Hb) change during PORH. Exercise capacity was measured using a 6-min stepper test (6MST). Analysis was by multiple linear regression. In total, 558 participants completed the 6MST with NIRS measures of TSI (mean age±SD: 73 ± 7years, 59% male). A sub-set of 149 participants also undertook the arterial occlusion. Time to 100% PORH, recovery rate, AUC and ∆oxy-Hb were all associated with ∆TSIBL-EE (β-coefficient (95%CI): 0.05 (0.01, 0.09), p = 0.012; −47 (-85, −9.9), p = 0.014; 1.7 (0.62, 2.8), p = 0.002; 0.04 (0.002.0.108), p = 0.041, respectively). Time to 95% & 100% PORH, AUC and ∆oxy-Hb were all associated with ∆TSIBL-INC (β-coefficient (95%CI): −0.07 (−0.12,−0.02), p = 0.02; −0.03 (−0.05, −0.003), p = 0.028; 0.85 (0.18, 1.5), p = 0.013 & 0.05 (0.02, 0.09), p = 0.001, respectively). AUC and ∆Oxy-Hb were associated with steps achieved (β-coefficient (95%CI): 18.0 (2.3, 33.7), p = 0.025; 0.86 (0.10, 1.6), p = 0.027). ∆TSIBL-EE was associated with steps and highest VO2 (1.7 (0.49, 2.9), p = 0.006; 7.7 (3.2, 12.3), p = 0.001). ∆TSIBL-INC was associated with steps and VO2 but this difference was attenuated towards the null after adjustment for age, sex and ethnicity. ∆TSIBL-EE was greater in women (3.4 (0.4, 8.9) versus 2.1 (0.3, 7.4), p = 0.017) and ∆TSIBL-INC was lower in women versus men (2.4 (0.2, 10.2) versus 3.2 (0.2, 18.2), p = 0.016). These Local microvascular NIRS-measures are associated with exercise capacity in older adults and several measures can detect differences in microvascular reactivity between a community-based sample of men and women.
MDAM-DRNet: Dual Channel Residual Network With Multi-Directional Attention Mechanism in Strawberry Leaf Diseases Detection
Authors: Liao Tingjing , Yang Ruoli , Zhao Peirui , Zhou Wenhua , He Mingfang , Li Liujun
Published: July 2022

The growth of strawberry plants is affected by a variety of strawberry leaf diseases. Yet, due to the complexity of these diseases' spots in terms of color and texture, their manual identification requires much time and energy. Developing a more efficient identification method could be imperative for improving the yield and quality of strawberry crops. To that end, here we proposed a detection framework for strawberry leaf diseases based on a dual-channel residual network with a multi-directional attention mechanism (MDAM-DRNet). (1) In order to fully extract the color features from images of diseased strawberry leaves, this paper constructed a color feature path at the front end of the network. The color feature information in the image was then extracted mainly through a color correlogram. (2) Likewise, to fully extract the texture features from images, a texture feature path at the front end of the network was built; it mainly extracts texture feature information by using an area compensation rotation invariant local binary pattern (ACRI-LBP). (3) To enhance the model's ability to extract detailed features, for the main frame, this paper proposed a multidirectional attention mechanism (MDAM). This MDAM can allocate weights in the horizontal, vertical, and diagonal directions, thereby reducing the loss of feature information. Finally, in order to solve the problems of gradient disappearance in the network, the ELU activation function was used in the main frame. Experiments were then carried out using a database we compiled. According to the results, the highest recognition accuracy by the network used in this paper for six types of strawberry leaf diseases and normal leaves is 95.79%, with an F1 score of 95.77%. This proves the introduced method is effective at detecting strawberry leaf diseases.
The Epigenetic Regulation in Plant Specialized Metabolism: DNA Methylation Limits Paclitaxel in vitro Biotechnological Production
Authors: Escrich Ainoa , Cusido Rosa M. , Bonfill Mercedes , Palazon Javier , Sanchez-Muñoz Raul , Moyano Elisabeth
Published: July 2022

Environmental conditions are key factors in the modulation of the epigenetic mechanisms regulating gene expression in plants. Specifically, the maintenance of cell cultures in optimal in vitro conditions alters methylation patterns and, consequently, their genetic transcription and metabolism. Paclitaxel production in Taxus x media cell cultures is reduced during its maintenance in in vitro conditions, compromising the biotechnological production of this valuable anticancer agent. To understand how DNA methylation influences taxane production, the promoters of three genes (GGPPS, TXS, and DBTNBT) involved in taxane biosynthesis have been studied, comparing the methylation patterns between a new line and one of ~14 years old. Our work revealed that while the central promoter of the GGPPS gene is protected from cytosine methylation accumulation, TXS and DBTNBT promoters accumulate methylation at different levels. The DBTNBT promoter of the old line is the most affected, showing a 200 bp regulatory region where all the cytosines were methylated. This evidence the existence of specific epigenetic regulatory mechanisms affecting the last steps of the pathway, such as the DBTNBT promoter. Interestingly, the GGPPS promoter, a regulatory sequence of a non-specific taxane biosynthetic gene, was not affected by this mechanism. In addition, the relationship between the detected methylation points and the predicted transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) showed that the action of TFs would be compromised in the old line, giving a further explanation for the production reduction in in vitro cell cultures. This knowledge could help in designing novel strategies to enhance the biotechnological production of taxanes over time.
Identification and Functional Prediction of Poplar Root circRNAs Involved in Treatment With Different Forms of Nitrogen
Authors: Zhou Jing , Yang Ling-Yu , Jia Chen-Lin , Shi Wen-Guang , Deng Shu-Rong , Luo Zhi-Bin
Published: July 2022

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNA molecules with ring structures formed by covalent bonds and are commonly present in organisms, playing an important regulatory role in plant growth and development. However, the mechanism of circRNAs in poplar root responses to different forms of nitrogen (N) is still unclear. In this study, high-throughput sequencing was used to identify and predict the function of circRNAs in the roots of poplar exposed to three N forms [1 mM NO3− (T1), 0.5 mM NH4NO3 (T2, control) and 1 mM NH4+ (T3)]. A total of 2,193 circRNAs were identified, and 37, 24 and 45 differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs) were screened in the T1-T2, T3-T2 and T1-T3 comparisons, respectively. In addition, 30 DECs could act as miRNA sponges, and several of them could bind miRNA family members that play key roles in response to different N forms, indicating their important functions in response to N and plant growth and development. Furthermore, we generated a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network in poplar roots treated with three N forms. DECs could participate in responses to N in poplar roots through the ceRNA regulatory network, which mainly included N metabolism, amino acid metabolism and synthesis, response to NO3− or NH4+ and remobilization of N. Together, these results provide new insights into the potential role of circRNAs in poplar root responses to different N forms.
Gender Differences in the Psychosocial Functioning of Parents During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: O’Sullivan Katriona , Rock Nicole , Burke Lydia , Boyle Neasa , Joksimovic Natasha , Foley Holly , Clark Serena
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected family life, increasing parental stress around health, job losses, reduced salaries, and maintaining domestic life in lockdown and social isolation. The transition to home-schooling and remote work with school and workplace closures caused additional stressors as families began living, working, and educating in one place. This research aims to understand the relationship between the pandemic and parental stress, focusing on family well-being and established characteristics of the family unit that may cause some family members to experience the adverse consequences of the pandemic in more or less profound ways, especially mothers. Previous research shows that mothers carry more family responsibilities than fathers and can experience higher stress levels. This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional online survey to extend our understanding of the interaction between home-schooling, work and home life, and stress levels in a group of 364 parents. In total, 232 mothers and 132 fathers completed the survey. Results revealed mothers were 10 times more likely to be responsible for home-schooling than fathers, and 44% of mothers felt they had no help with home-schooling and were generally more stressed than fathers. These results show that lack of support, managing home-schooling, and being a mother predicted increased stress. 10% of mothers reported leaving their jobs due to pressure added by home-schooling. This study broadens the understanding of the pandemic’s impact on gender imbalances in family responsibilities. It emphasises the need for extra consideration for the impact on mothers as we emerge from this pandemic.
Qualitative Team Formation Analysis in Football: A Case Study of the 2018 FIFA World Cup
Authors: Beernaerts Jasper , De Baets Bernard , Lenoir Matthieu , Van de Weghe Nico
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we explore the use of the Static Qualitative Trajectory Calculus (QTCS), a qualitative spatiotemporal method based on the QTC, for the analysis of team formations in football. While methods for team formation analysis in sports are predominantly quantitative in nature, QTCS enables the comparison of team formations by describing the relative positions between players in a qualitative manner, which is more related to the way players position themselves on the field. QTCS has the potential to allow to monitor to what extent a football team plays according to a coach’s predetermined formation. When applied to multiple matches of one team, the method can contribute to the definition of the playing style of a team. We present an experiment aimed at identifying the team formation played by Belgian national football team during the 2018 FIFA World Cup held in France.
Psychosocial Dimensions of Recycling in Small Island: Psycho-Environmental Diagnostic and Evidence-Based Intervention in Martinique
Authors: Fointiat Valérie , Pelt Audrey
Published: July 2022

Recycling is socially responsible behavior. Moreover, it is also a complex behavior. It benefits society in the long term but involves a personal cost and does not benefit the individual directly. In the specific context of small island, we conducted a two-step research action to promote recycling among households located in the north of Martinique, a west indies French island. Based on the psychosocial engineering model, the first step was to identify the determinants of recycling in this specific island context. In a psycho-environmental diagnostic, we included variables already identified to predict waste sorting, such as the TPB variables, as well as other context-specific variables, such as group identification, environmental identity, place identity, sense of community, perceived efficacy of one’s action, as predictors of the intention to recycle. Based on psychological distance and its temporal dimension, we also distinguished between the intention to recycle today (proximal intention) and the intention to recycle in 1 month (distal intention). The results show that the predictors of recycling differ according to the temporal distance. The proximal intention was predicted by personal variables whereas distal intention was predicted by social variables. The second step was to design and to implement an evidence-based intervention to increase the quality of recycling. At Time 1, the garbage cans of 193 households were collected and characterized. At Time 2, the households were visited at home by an officer, who used one of the four communication scripts built on the basis of the results of the psycho-environmental diagnostic. At Time 3, the garbage cans were collected and characterized again. We observe an improvement in sorting in the condition where the TBP dimensions are activated: attitude, social norm, and controllability. Our results highlight the importance of taking into account the temporality of change, especially when the behavior to be changed is complex. They also show an interest in relying on a psycho-environmental diagnosis, taking into account the context of insertion of the target behavior.
Simple Assumptions to Improve Markov Illuminance and Reflectance
Authors: Kobayashi Yuki , Kitaoka Akiyoshi
Published: July 2022

Murray recently introduced a novel computational lightness model, Markov illuminance and reflectance (MIR). MIR is a promising new approach that simulates human lightness processing using a conditional random field (CRF) where natural-scene statistics of reflectance and illumination are implemented. Although MIR can account for various lightness illusions and phenomena, it has limitations, such as the inability to predict reverse-contrast phenomena. In this study, we improved MIR performance by modifying its inference process, the prior on X-junctions, and that on general illumination changes. Our modified model improved predictions for Checkerboard assimilation, the simplified Checkershadow and its control figure, the influence of luminance noise, and White’s effect and its several variants. In particular, White’s effect is a partial reverse contrast that is challenging for computational models, so this improvement is a significant advance for the MIR framework. This study showed the high extensibility and potential of MIR, which shows the promise for further sophistication.