bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APDM gait and balance measures fail to predict symptom progression rate in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Dewey D. Campbell , Chitnis Shilpa , McCreary Morgan C. , Gerald Ashley , Dewey Chadrick H. , Pantelyat Alexander , Dawson Ted M. , Rosenthal Liana S. , Dewey Richard B.
Published: November 2022

Parkinson's disease (PD) results in progressively worsening gait and balance dysfunction that can be measured using computerized devices. We utilized the longitudinal database of the Parkinson's Disease Biomarker Program to determine if baseline gait and balance measures predict future rates of symptom progression. We included 230, 222, 164, and 177 PD subjects with 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of follow-up, respectively, and we defined progression as worsening of the following clinical parameters: MDS-UPDRS total score, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, PDQ-39 mobility subscale, levodopa equivalent daily dose, Schwab and England score, and global composite outcome. We developed ridge regression models to independently estimate how each gait or balance measure, or combination of measures, predicted progression. The accuracy of each ridge regression model was calculated by cross-validation in which 90% of the data were used to estimate the ridge regression model which was then tested on the 10% of data left out. While the models modestly predicted change in outcomes at the 6-month follow-up visit (accuracy in the range of 66–71%) there was no change in the outcome variables during this short follow-up (median change in MDS-UPDRS total score = 0 and change in LEDD = 0). At follow-up periods of 12, 18, and 24 months, the models failed to predict change (accuracy in the held-out sets ranged from 42 to 60%). We conclude that this set of computerized gait and balance measures performed at baseline is unlikely to help predict future disease progression in PD. Research scientists must continue to search for progression predictors to enhance the performance of disease modifying clinical trials.
Case report: Concurrent intravestibular schwannoma mimicking Ménière's disease and cochlear hydrops detected via delayed three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Nishimura Koji , Murofushi Toshihisa , Hakuba Nobuhiro
Published: November 2022

Objective

To present a case of intralabyrinthine schwannoma (ILS) presenting as Ménière's disease diagnosed via 4-h delayed gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging (3D-FLAIR MRI) and treated successfully using the translabyrinthine approach.

Patient

A patient who was diagnosed with intravestibular ILS.

Interventions

The patient underwent comprehensive preoperative neurological examinations and MRI. The tumor was resected using the translabyrinthine approach and was pathologically confirmed as schwannoma based on the surgical specimen.

Main outcome measures

Preoperative audiogram and vestibular test findings and MRI images.

Results

Preoperatively, pure-tone audiogram showed progressive sensorineural hearing loss only on the affected side. The video head impulse test and vestibular evoked myogenic potential test showed vestibular dysfunction on the affected ear. Immediate gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MRI revealed an enhanced region in the vestibule. Meanwhile, magnetic resonance cisternography showed a filling defect. Delayed 3D-FLAIR MRI revealed a signal void in the scala media of the cochlea indicative of cochlear hydrops, and a strong signal in the perilymph at the basal cochlea suggestive of impaired blood–labyrinthine barrier.

Conclusion

Delayed 3D-FLAIR MRI is useful in diagnosing concurrent ILSs and endolymphatic hydrops.
Red cell distribution width is associated with stroke severity and unfavorable functional outcomes in ischemic stroke
Authors: Xue Jie , Zhang Dong , Zhang Xiao-Guang , Zhu Xiao-Qiong , Xu Xu-Shen , Yue Yun-hua
Published: November 2022

Background

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is considered to be related to coronary heart disease and heart failure and all-cause mortality, but its relationship with acute ischemic stroke is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between RDW and the stroke severity and functional outcomes of ischemic stroke.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients with acute ischemic stroke between September 2016 and January 2020. Demographic, clinical, stroke complications, laboratory data, and treatment were collected for all patients. Stroke severity and functional outcomes were evaluated by NIHSS score, modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and Barthel Index (BI) at 3 months. Furthermore, multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between RDW and stroke severity and functional outcomes.

Results

A total of 629 patients with acute ischemic stroke were included and were categorized into four groups according to the quartiles of RDW (< 12.4, 12.4–12.9, 13.0–13.4, > 13.4). After multivariable analysis, higher RDW was directly associated with moderate to severe stroke (OR 2.21, 95% CI, 1.30–3.75, P = 0.003), mRS score of 3–6 at 3 months (OR 1.86, 95% CI, 1.02–3.41, P = 0.044), and BI score below 85 at 3 months (OR 2.27, 95% CI, 1.25–4.12, P = 0.007) in patients with ischemic stroke.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that RDW is associated with stroke severity and unfavorable functional outcomes at 3 months in patients with ischemic stroke.
Integrated bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation reveals fatty acid metabolism-related prognostic signature and immune responses for uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Guo Chenrui , He Yan , Chen Leiming , Li Yuan , Wang Yajun , Bao Yunlei , Zeng Ni , Jiang Feng , Zhou Hang , Zhang Le
Published: November 2022

Background

Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) is the third most common gynecologic malignancy. Fatty acid metabolism (FAM) is an essential metabolic process in the immune microenvironment that occurs reprogramming in the presence of tumor signaling and nutrient competition. This study aimed to identify the fatty acid metabolism-related genes (FAMGs) to develop a risk signature for predicting UCEC.

Methods

The differentially expressed FAMGs between UCEC samples and controls from TCGA database were discovered. A prognostic signature was then constructed by univariate, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Based on the median risk score, UCEC samples were categorized into high- and low-FAMGs groups. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curve was applied to determine patients’ overall survival (OS). The independent prognostic value was assessed by uni- and multivariate analyses. The associations between the risk score and immune status, immune score, and drug resistance were evaluated. Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was utilized to confirm FAMGs expression levels in UCEC cells.

Results

We built a 10-FAMGs prognostic signature and examined the gene mutation and copy number variations (CNV). Patients with a high-FAMGs had a worse prognosis compared to low-FAMGs patients in TCGA train and test sets. We demonstrated that FAMGs-based risk signature was a significant independent prognostic predictor of UCEC. A nomogram was also created incorporating this risk model and clinicopathological features, with high prognostic performance for UCEC. The immune status of each group was varied, and immune score was higher in a low-FAMGs group. HLA-related genes such as DRB1, DMA, DMB, and DQB2 had higher expression levels in the low-FAMGs group. Meanwhile, high-FAMGs patients were likely to response more strongly to the targeted drugs Bortezomib, Foretinib and Gefitinib. The qRT-PCR evidence further verified the significant expression of FAMGs in this signature.

Conclusions

A FAMGs-based risk signature might be considered as an independent prognostic indicator to predict UCEC prognosis, evaluate immune status and provide a new direction for therapeutic strategies.
Circulating miR-326 could serve as a predictive biomarker for response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer
Authors: Zou Kangni , Yang E. , Cui Tao , Li Zhengyu
Published: November 2022

Background

Clinically, few patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) are insensitive to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Recent studies have reported that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) may be involved in the response to NACT. The aim of this study was to discover the potential miRNAs that can predict the response to NACT in LACC.

Methods

Pair-matched blood samples of 39 LACC patients before and after receiving NACT were collected. Seven paired samples were used for microRNA microarray analysis. Targeted miRNAs were selected by bioinformatics analysis and were validated by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). All 39 patients were assigned into either the responders group or the non-responders group after NACT. The predictive performance of selected microRNA was evaluated by sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

A total of 17 miRNAs downregulated before NACT and upregulated after NACT were selected according to microarray analysis in our previous study, and miR-326 and miR-376a-3p were selected for further exploration. According to the responses and the evaluation criteria, 25 patients reached partial response (PR) and 14 patients remained stable. Further qRT-PCR analysis showed that miR-326 significantly downregulated before NACT and upregulated after NACT in 12 responders (p = 0.02). The expression of miR-376a-3p showed no statistical difference before and after NACT in these 12 responders. Then, miR-326 provided an AUC-ROC of 0.75 (p = 0.04) in the discrimination between the responders and non-responders groups. The cutoff value of ROC for miR-326 to predict the response of NACT was <0.023, the sensitivity was 88.89%, and the specificity was 50%.

Conclusions

The expression of miR-326 significantly upregulated after NACT in responders. miR-326 may be a biomarker for predicting the response to NACT in LACC patients. The results may optimize individualized treatments for LACC patients.
Pain is reduced by transcutaneous cervical vagus nerve stimulation and correlated with cardiorespiratory variability measures in the context of opioid withdrawal
Authors: Gazi Asim H. , Harrison Anna B. , Lambert Tamara P. , Nawar Afra , Obideen Malik , Driggers Emily G. , Vaccarino Viola , Shah Amit J. , Rozell Christopher J. , Bikson Marom , Welsh Justine W. , Inan Omer T. , Bremner J. Douglas
Published: November 2022

Over 100,000 individuals in the United States lost their lives secondary to drug overdose in 2021, with opioid use disorder (OUD) being a leading cause. Pain is an important component of opioid withdrawal, which can complicate recovery from OUD. This study's objectives were to assess the effects of transcutaneous cervical vagus nerve stimulation (tcVNS), a technique shown to reduce sympathetic arousal in other populations, on pain during acute opioid withdrawal and to study pain's relationships with objective cardiorespiratory markers. Twenty patients with OUD underwent opioid withdrawal while participating in a two-hour protocol. The protocol involved opioid cues to induce opioid craving and neutral conditions for control purposes. Adhering to a double-blind design, patients were randomly assigned to receive active tcVNS (n = 9) or sham stimulation (n = 11) throughout the protocol. At the beginning and end of the protocol, patients' pain levels were assessed using the numerical rating scale (0–10 scale) for pain (NRS Pain). During the protocol, electrocardiogram and respiratory effort signals were measured, from which heart rate variability (HRV) and respiration pattern variability (RPV) were extracted. Pre- to post- changes (denoted with a Δ) were computed for all measures. Δ NRS Pain scores were lower (P = 0.045) for the active group (mean ± standard deviation: −0.8 ± 2.4) compared to the sham group (0.9 ± 1.0). A positive correlation existed between Δ NRS pain scores and Δ RPV (Spearman's ρ = 0.46; P = 0.04). Following adjustment for device group, a negative correlation existed between Δ HRV and Δ NRS Pain (Spearman's ρ = −0.43; P = 0.04). This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled pilot study provides the first evidence of tcVNS-induced reductions in pain in patients with OUD experiencing opioid withdrawal. This study also provides the first quantitative evidence of an association between breathing irregularity and pain. The correlations between changes in pain and changes in objective physiological markers add validity to the data. Given the clinical importance of reducing pain non-pharmacologically, the findings support the need for further investigation of tcVNS and wearable cardiorespiratory sensing for pain monitoring and management in patients with OUD.
Analysis of the correlation between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the risk of colorectal neoplasms
Authors: Ye Shujun , Liu Yang , Zhang Te , Feng Huijin , Liu Yanqing , Ma Lianjun
Published: November 2022

This study aims at assessing the potential association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and colorectal neoplasms (CRN). PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched for cohort studies. 14 cohort studies with a total population of 38,761,773 were included for meta-analysis after selection. The results showed that NAFLD is related to an increased risk of CRN (OR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.14–1.32; I2 = 70.7%, p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, NAFLD were found to be the independent risk factor of colorectal adenoma (CRA) (OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.15–1.45; I2 = 66.4%) and colorectal cancer (CRC) (OR = 1.13; 95% CI = 1.12–1.15; I2 = 69.4%). There is no close correlation between smoking status of NAFLD patients and CRN. Interestingly, bioinformatics analysis revealed that there were overlap of dysregulated gene sets among NAFLD, CRC, and two recently identified regulated cell death types, ferroptosis and cuproptosis, respectively. Our meta- and bioinformatics analysis shows that NAFLD increases the risk of CRN. Ferroptosis and cuproptosis may be the critical links between NAFLD and CRN, respectively. These findings here support that NAFLD is necessary to be considered as an emerging risk factor for CRN.
Anticancer regimens containing third generation taxanes SB-T-121605 and SB-T-121606 are highly effective in resistant ovarian carcinoma model
Authors: Seborova Karolina , Koucka Kamila , Spalenkova Alzbeta , Holy Petr , Ehrlichova Marie , Sychra Tomas , Chen Lei , Bendale Hersh , Ojima Iwao , Sandoval-Acuña Cristian , Truksa Jaroslav , Soucek Pavel , Vaclavikova Radka
Published: November 2022

Taxanes are widely used in the treatment of ovarian carcinomas. One of the main problems with conventional taxanes is the risk of development of multidrug resistance. New-generation synthetic experimental taxoids (Stony Brook Taxanes; SB-T) have shown promising effects against various resistant tumor models. The aim of our study was to compare the in vitro efficacy, intracellular content, and in vivo antitumor effect of clinically used paclitaxel (PTX) and SB-Ts from the previously tested second (SB-T-1214, SB-T-1216) and the newly synthesized third (SB-T-121402, SB-T-121605, and SB-T-121606) generation in PTX resistant ovarian carcinoma cells NCI/ADR-RES. The efficacy of the new SB-Ts was up to 50-times higher compared to PTX in NCI/ADR-RES cells in vitro. SB-T-121605 and SB-T-121606 induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase much more effectively and their intracellular content was 10–15-times higher, when compared to PTX. Incorporation of SB-T-121605 and SB-T-121606 into therapeutic regimens containing PTX were effective in suppressing tumor growth in vivo in NCI/ADR-RES based mice xenografts at small doses (≤3 mg/kg), where their adverse effects were eliminated. In conclusion, new SB-T-121605 and SB-T-121606 analogs are promising candidates for the next phase of preclinical testing of their combination therapy with conventional taxanes in resistant ovarian carcinomas.
Efficiency of navigation strategies for active particles in rugged landscapes
Authors: Piro Lorenzo , Golestanian Ramin , Mahault Benoît
Published: November 2022

Optimal navigation in complex environments is a problem with multiple applications ranging from designing efficient search strategies to engineering microscopic cargo delivery. When motion happens in presence of strong external forces, route optimization is particularly important as active particles may encounter trapping regions that would substantially slow down their progress. Here, considering a self-propelled agent moving at a constant speed, we study the efficiency of Zermelo’s classical solution for navigation in a sinusoidal potential landscape. Investigating both cases of motion on the plane and on curved surfaces, we focus on the regime where the external force exceeds self-propulsion in finite regions. There, we show that, despite the fact that most trajectories following the trivial policy of going straight get arrested, the Zermelo policy allows for a comprehensive exploration of the environment. However, our results also indicate an increased sensitivity of the Zermelo strategy to initial conditions, which limits its robustness and long-time efficiency, particularly in presence of fluctuations. These results suggest an interesting trade-off between exploration efficiency and stability for the design of control strategies to be implemented in real systems.
Innovative feedstocks for optimal mass production of the edible long-horned grasshopper, Ruspolia differens
Authors: Margaret Kababu , Collins Mweresa K. , Subramanian Sevgan , Egonyu James P. , Nakimbugwe Dorothy , Ssepuuya Geoffrey , Faith Nyamu , Ekesi Sunday , Tanga Chrysantus M.
Published: November 2022

The edible long-horned grasshopper Ruspolia differens Serville (Orthoptera:Tettigoniidae) is a highly nutritious food source consumed in over 20 African countries. Its occurrence is highly seasonal, and wild harvesting is carried out using locally designed and inefficient light traps, thus limiting sustainable utilization as an important food source. To ensure year-round production and availability of R. differens, we evaluated the effects of low-cost and affordable diets based on agricultural by-products on their growth performance, survival, fecundity, and longevity. A total of four diets with varying ratios of agricultural by-products were evaluated: Diet 1 [33.3% maize bran (MB) + 33.3% wheat bran (WB) + 33.3% Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP)], Diet 2 [25% MB + 25% WB + 25% MOLP + 25% shrimp powder (SP)], Diet 3 [20% MB + 20% WB + 20% MOLP + 20% SP + 20% soya bean meal], and Diet 4 (“control”—routinely used diet). The grasshoppers were subjected to the diets from the 1st nymphal instar (24-h-old stages) through adult stages until death. Diet 3 had the highest crude protein content (28%) and digestibility (74.7%). R. differens fed Diet 3 had the shortest development time (57 days) [p < 0.001], highest survival (87%) [p < 0.001], and maximum longevity (89 days) [p = 0.015] and fecundity (247 eggs/female) [p = 0.549] across the various diets. Female survival rate (59%) on Diet 3 was significantly higher compared to the males (41%). The adult female weight gain was significantly higher compared to males fed on different diets. Percentage hatchability of eggs was not significantly different when females were fed Diet 3 and Diet 2. There was a significantly positive correlation between longevity and fecundity of R. differens reared on Diet 2 and 3. These diets could be further optimized and fine-tuned for improved cost-effective mass production of R. differens continent-wide to reduce dependence on erratic and poor seasonal harvest during swarms.
Research on weed identification method in rice fields based on UAV remote sensing
Authors: Yu Fenghua , Jin Zhongyu , Guo Sien , Guo Zhonghui , Zhang Honggang , Xu Tongyu , Chen Chunling
Published: November 2022

Rice is the world’s most important food crop and is of great importance to ensure world food security. In the rice cultivation process, weeds are a key factor that affects rice production. Weeds in the field compete with rice for sunlight, water, nutrients, and other resources, thus affecting the quality and yield of rice. The chemical treatment of weeds in rice fields using herbicides suffers from the problem of sloppy herbicide application methods. In most cases, farmers do not consider the distribution of weeds in paddy fields, but use uniform doses for uniform spraying of the whole field. Excessive use of herbicides not only pollutes the environment and causes soil and water pollution, but also leaves residues of herbicides on the crop, affecting the quality of rice. In this study, we created a weed identification index based on UAV multispectral images and constructed the WDVINIR vegetation index from the reflectance of three bands, RE, G, and NIR. WDVINIR was compared with five traditional vegetation indices, NDVI, LCI, NDRE, and OSAVI, and the results showed that WDVINIR was the most effective for weed identification and could clearly distinguish weeds from rice, water cotton, and soil. The weed identification method based on WDVINIR was constructed, and the weed index identification results were subjected to small patch removal and clustering processing operations to produce weed identification vector results. The results of the weed identification vector were verified using the confusion matrix accuracy verification method and the results showed that the weed identification accuracy could reach 93.47%, and the Kappa coefficient was 0.859. This study provides a new method for weed identification in rice fields.
Effect of online aerobic exercise training in patients with bipolar depression: Protocol of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Wang Xueqian , Luo Huirong , Zhang Yinlin , Mao Maolin , Lu Yulin , Zhang Zheng , Jiang Chunfeng , Luo Qinghua
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a common and debilitating mental illness that affects about 400 million people worldwide, decreasing their functionality and quality of life. Medication and psychotherapy are recommended for treatment of BD, while some evidence indicates that exercise could improve the clinical outcome of BD. This study aims to investigate whether exercise intervention could reduce the mood symptoms and inflammation level of BD.

Methods

This is a longitudinal, interventional, randomized, and single-blind trial. We plan to recruit 94 patients diagnosed with BD in depression episode. Patients will be randomly assigned to treatment as usual + aerobic exercise group (intervention group) and treatment as usual (TAU) only group, at a ratio of 1:1. The intervention group will undergo 40-min aerobic exercise training twice a week for eight weeks. The primary outcome of this study is the mean change of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17 (HAMD 17) scores from baseline to week 8. The Young Manic Rating Scale (YMRS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels will also be measured. The measurements will be performed at baseline, immediately after intervention and two months after intervention.

Discussion

Aerobic exercise training + treatment is expected to bring more benefits to BD patients than TAU only. This trial might provide stronger evidence of physical exercise efficacy for BD treatment.

Clinical trial registration

This study was approved by the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration Code: ChiCTR2200057159). Registered on 1 March 2022.
Attitude of Syrian students toward GAD patients: An online cross-sectional study
Authors: Swed Sarya , Shoib Sheikh , Khan Ubaid , El-Sakka Amro A. , Almoshantaf Mohammad Badr , Hassan Noheir Ashraf Ibrahem Fathy , Khairy Lina Taha , Bakkour Agyad , Muwaili Ali Hadi Hussein , Motawea Karam R. , Abdelmajid Fatima Abubaker Abdalla , Mohammed Sharif Ahmad Eman , Alsharief Ahmed Safaa Mohamed , Hasan Mohammad Mehedi , Sawaf Bisher , Albuni Mhd Kutaiba , Battikh Elias , Zainabo Asmaa , Alibrahim Hidar , Ghaith Hazem S. , Elkalagi Nashaat Kamal Hamdy
Published: November 2022

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a prevalent condition and a significant cause of mental disability and poor quality of life. People with GAD have chronic worrying, restlessness, and discrimination from the general public; Little is known about the stigmatizing attitudes toward people with GAD among Syrian students. The questionnaires contained demographic data about age, gender, social status, personal stigma toward GAD scale, perceived stigma toward GAD scale, social distance with those with GAD, the participants' usual source of their knowledge about GAD, helpful interventions, and supporting information. A total of 1,370 replies were collected, but only 1,358 were used for analysis as 12 participants declined to complete the survey. About 44.1% of participants agreed that people with GAD could snap out of the problem, most of them being females (32.4% of the total population). Compared to medical students, more non-medical students (7.1% of the total population) believed that anxiety is a sign of personal weakness. This study demonstrated that Syrian college students showed a high level of stigmatizing and socially distancing attitudes toward people with GAD, particularly female and non-medical students.
A 6-day high-intensity interval microcycle improves indicators of endurance performance in elite cross-country skiers
Authors: Rønnestad Bent R. , Bjerkrheim Kjetil Andre , Hansen Joar , Mølmen Knut Sindre
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a 6-day high-intensity interval (HIT) block [BLOCK, n = 12, maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max = 69. 6 ± 4.3 mL·min−1·kg−1)] with a time-matched period with usual training (CON, n = 12, V̇O2max = 69.2 ± 4.2 mL·min−1·kg−1) in well-trained cross-country (XC) skiers on physiological determinants and indicators of endurance performance. Furthermore, the study aimed to investigate the acute physiological responses, including time ≥90% of V̇O2max, and its associated reliability during repeated HIT sessions in the HIT microcycle.

Methods

Before the 6-day HIT block and following 5 days of recovery after the HIT block, both groups were tested on indicators of endurance performance. To quantify time ≥90% of V̇O2max during interval sessions in the HIT block, V̇O2 measurements were performed on the 1st, 2nd, and last HIT session in BLOCK.

Results

BLOCK had a larger improvement than CON in maximal 1-min velocity achieved during the V̇O2max test (3.1 ± 3.1% vs. 1.2 ± 1.6%, respectively; p = 0.010) and velocity corresponding to 4 mmol·L−1 blood lactate (3.2 ± 2.9% vs. 0.6 ± 2.1%, respectively; p = 0.024). During submaximal exercise, BLOCK displayed a larger reduction in respiratory exchange ratio, blood lactate concentration, heart rate, and rate of perceived exertion (p < 0.05) and a tendency towards less energy expenditure compared to CON (p = 0.073). The ICC of time ≥90% V̇O2max in the present study was 0.57, which indicates moderate reliability.

Conclusions

In well-trained XC skiers, BLOCK induced superior changes in indicators of endurance performance compared with CON, while time ≥90% of V̇O2max during the HIT sessions in the 6-day block had a moderate reliability.
Species Composition, Growth, and Trophic Traits of Hairtail (Trichiuridae), the Most Productive Fish in Chinese Marine Fishery
Authors: He Xiongbo , Luo Zhisen , Zhao Chunxu , Huang Liangliang , Yan Yunrong , Kang Bin
Published: November 2022

Hairtail (Scombriformes: Trichiuridae) have always ranked first in single-species production in Chinese marine fishery. However, due to the confusion of species identification, in official statistics, data on hairtail production and economic value are a combination of all the different species of Trichiuridae. In this study, based on sampling along China’s coastal areas, the composition and distribution of common hairtail species, as well as their age, growth, and trophic traits, are discussed. Six species of four genera and two subfamilies were identified, and largehead hairtail (Trichiurus japonicus) and Savalai hairtail (Lepturacanthus savala) were the most important populations that constituted catch production. The growth parameter b could be divided into two groups, with values in species mostly inhabiting northern parts of Chinese seas higher than those in southern parts. Most individuals were 1–2 years of age, suggesting species sexual precocity and individual miniaturization under multiple stresses. Species of Trichiuridae are at the top of the food web and play a bottom-up role in regulating the trophic dynamics of marine food webs. Largehead hairtail showed the highest stability and the greatest impact on the stability of the trophic structure. Despite temporary resource maintenance under fishery-induced evolution, the effective recovery and reasonable utilization of hairtail resources are still the main focuses of attention for Chinese marine fishery.
Pathogenicity and Transmissibility of Clade 2.3.4.4h H5N6 Avian Influenza Viruses in Mammals
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Cui Huan , Zhang Chunmao , Zhao Kui , Kong Yunyi , Chen Ligong , Dong Shishan , Chen Zhaoliang , Pu Jie , Zhang Lei , Guo Zhendong , Liu Juxiang
Published: November 2022

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have the potential for cross-species transmission and pandemics. In recent years, clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 AIVs are prevalent in domestic poultry, posing a threat to the domestic poultry industry and public health. In this study, two strains of H5N6 AIVs were isolated from chickens in Hebei, China, in 2019: A/chicken/Hebei/HB1907/2019(H5N6) and A/chicken/Hebei/HB1905/2019(H5N6). Phylogenetic analysis showed that both viral HA genes clustered in the 2.3.4.4h clade. Receptor binding analysis showed that the HB1905 strain preferentially binds to α-2,3-linked sialic acid (SA) receptors, while the HB1907 strain preferentially binds to α-2,3- and α-2,6-linked sialic acid (SA) receptors. During early infection, the HB1907 strain is highly replicable in MDCK cells, more so than the HB1905 strain. Pathogenicity assays in mice showed that both viruses could replicate in the lungs without prior adaptation, with HB1907 being more highly pathogenic in mice than the HB1905 strain. Significantly, both the HB1905 and HB1907 strains can be transmitted through direct contact among guinea pigs, but the transmission efficiency of the HB1907 strain through contact between guinea pigs is much greater than that of the HB1905 strain. These results strengthen the need for ongoing surveillance and early warning of H5N6 AIVs in poultry.
Application of the Richards Model in Settlement Prediction of Loess-Filled Foundations
Authors: Yang Yong , Fan Wen , Long Li , Xu Zhangjian , Zhao Zhihai , Zhang Haifeng
Published: November 2022

The Richards equation has high plasticity and compatibility. Compared with other curve equations, it has higher applicability and accuracy in describing S-shaped curves. It can describe the changes in the initial growth stage, rapid growth stage, and stable growth stage of organisms well and reflect the slow-fast-slow change characteristics of growth. In this paper, the Richards model is introduced into the settlement deformation prediction of loess-filled foundation. Taking a high-loess fill site in northern Shaanxi Province as an example, continuous settlement deformation monitoring is carried out for the filling during the project operation period, and the settlement characteristics of a loess-filled foundation are studied using the monitoring results. It is considered that the settlement deformation curve of a loess-filled foundation has similar characteristics; that is, its deformation increases slowly in the early stage, rapidly in the middle stage, and is basically stable at a fixed value in the later stage. Its cumulative deformation time history curve is a smooth S-shaped curve, and the cumulative settlement increases with time and tends to converge. Analysis shows that the time history curves of cumulative settlement, the settlement deformation rate, and the acceleration of loess foundation filling are highly consistent with the Richards model. Compared with the modified exponential model and hyperbolic model, the predicted results are closer to the measured results; that is, the Richards growth model can be used to predict the settlement deformation of a fill foundation.
Integrating Genome-Wide Association Study with RNA-Sequencing Reveals HDAC9 as a Candidate Gene Influencing Loin Muscle Area in Beijing Black Pigs
Authors: Hou Renda , Chen Li , Liu Xiance , Liu Hai , Shi Guohua , Hou Xinhua , Zhang Run , Yang Man , Niu Naiqi , Wang Lixian , Zhang Longchao
Published: November 2022

Loin muscle area (LMA) is an important meat production trait and plays a key role in determining carcass leanness. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis were used to identify candidate LMA genes in Beijing Black pigs, a popular breed among consumers in northern China. Ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in sus scrofa chromosome (SSC) 9 were significantly associated with LMA. These SNPs were mapped to a 2.90 Mb (84.94–87.84 Mb) region. A total of 11 annotated genes were mapped on this region, namely MEOX2, CRPPA, SOSTDC1, LRRC72, ANKMY2, BZW2, TSPAN13, AGR2, AHR, SNX13, and HDAC9. In addition, RNA-seq analysis was performed between the high- and low-LMA groups, and 329 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Further, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis based on DEGs revealed that the JAK/STAT signaling pathway and oxytocin signaling pathway may be responsible for LMA. Both GWAS and RNA-seq analysis identified the HDAC9 gene, indicating that it may be an important candidate gene affecting LMA in Beijing Black pigs. The findings provide valuable molecular insights into the mechanisms that influence LMA content in pigs, which can be utilized in targeted approaches to enhance meat quality and commercial profitability.
Structure and Chemical Composition of ca. 10-Million-Year-Old (Late Miocene of Western Amazon) and Present-Day Teeth of Related Species
Authors: Pessoa-Lima Caroline , Tostes-Figueiredo Jonas , Macedo-Ribeiro Natalia , Hsiou Annie Schmaltz , Muniz Fellipe Pereira , Maulin José Augusto , Franceschini-Santos Vinícius H. , de Sousa Frederico Barbosa , Barbosa Fernando , Line Sergio Roberto Peres , Gerlach Raquel Fernanda , Langer Max Cardoso
Published: November 2022

Molecular information has been gathered from fossilized dental enamel, the best-preserved tissue of vertebrates. However, the association of morphological features with the possible mineral and organic information of this tissue is still poorly understood in the context of the emerging area of paleoproteomics. This study aims to compare the morphological features and chemical composition of dental enamel of extinct and extant terrestrial vertebrates of Crocodylia: Purussaurus sp. (extinct) and Melanosuchus niger (extant), and Rodentia: Neoepiblema sp. (extinct) and Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (extant). To obtain structural and chemical data, superficial and internal enamel were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Organic, mineral, and water content were obtained using polarizing microscopy and microradiography on ground sections of four teeth, resulting in a higher organic volume than previously expected (up to 49%). It is observed that both modern and fossil tooth enamel exhibit the same major constituents: 36.7% Ca, 17.2% P, and 41% O, characteristic of hydroxyapatite. Additionally, 27 other elements were measured from superficial enamel by inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Zinc was the most abundant microelement detected, followed by Pb, Fe, Mg, and Al. Morphological features observed include enamel rods in the rodent teeth, while incremental lines and semiprismatic enamel were observed in the alligator species. The fossil enamel was in an excellent state for microscopic analyses. Results show that all major dental enamel’s physical, chemical, and morphological features are present both in extant and extinct fossil tooth enamel (>8.5 Ma) in both taxa.
Infraslow Neurofeedback Training Alters Effective Connectivity in Individuals with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Secondary Analysis of a Pilot Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Adhia Divya Bharatkumar , Mani Ramakrishnan , Turner Paul R. , Vanneste Sven , De Ridder Dirk
Published: November 2022

This study explored the effect of electroencephalographic infraslow neurofeedback (EEG ISF-NF) training on effective connectivity and tested whether such effective connectivity changes are correlated with changes in pain and disability in people with chronic low back pain. This involved secondary analysis of a pilot double-blinded randomised placebo-controlled study. Participants (n = 60) were randomised to receive ISF-NF targeting either the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (pgACC), dorsal anterior cingulate and somatosensory cortex (dACC + S1), ratio of pgACC*2/dACC + S1, or Sham-NF. Resting-state EEG and clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately after intervention, and at one-week and one-month follow-up. Kruskal–Wallis tests demonstrated significant between-group differences in effective connectivity from pgACC to S1L at one-month follow up and marginal significant changes from S1L to pgACC at one-week and one-month follow up. Mann–Whitney U tests demonstrated significant increases in effective connectivity in the ISF-NF up-training pgACC group when compared to the Sham-NF group (pgACC to S1L at one-month (p = 0.013), and S1L to pgACC at one-week (p = 0.008) and one-month follow up (p = 0.016)). Correlational analyses demonstrated a significant negative correlation (ρ = −0.630, p = 0.038) between effective connectivity changes from pgACC to S1L and changes in pain severity at one-month follow-up. The ISF-NF training pgACC can reduce pain via influencing effective connectivity between pgACC and S1L.
The Non-Interventional PAZOREAL Study to Assess the Effectiveness and Safety of Pazopanib in a Real-Life Setting: Reflecting a Changing mRCC Treatment Landscape
Authors: Doehn Christian , Bögemann Martin , Grünwald Viktor , Welslau Manfred , Bedke Jens , Schostak Martin , Wolf Thomas , Ehneß Rainer , Degenkolbe Elisa , Witecy Stefanie , Goebell Peter J.
Published: November 2022

The approval of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and checkpoint inhibitors represented a remarkable progression in the therapeutic landscape for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Yet, in the ever-evolving landscape of mRCC treatment, real-world data on these agents, including pazopanib, are scarce. The non-interventional PAZOREAL study investigated the effectiveness and safety of pazopanib (first-line), nivolumab (second-line), and everolimus (second- and third-line) in a real-life setting. The multicentric study included 376 mRCC patients who received first-line treatment with pazopanib and assessed time on the drug (primary endpoint), overall survival, best responses, disease control rates, as well as safety signals and health-related quality of life. The median overall time on the drug was 10.0 months, with first-line pazopanib having a median time on drug of 6.3 months. The median overall survival was 35.9 months. The disease control rate for first-line pazopanib was 56.9%. No new safety signals were detected. PAZOREAL provides valuable real-world data for first-line treatment with pazopanib.
Effect of Collagen Matrix on Doxorubicin Distribution and Cancer Cells’ Response to Treatment in 3D Tumor Model
Authors: Druzhkova Irina , Nikonova Elena , Ignatova Nadezhda , Koryakina Irina , Zyuzin Mikhail , Mozherov Artem , Kozlov Dmitriy , Krylov Dmitry , Kuznetsova Daria , Lisitsa Uliyana , Shcheslavskiy Vladislav , Shirshin Evgeny A. , Zagaynova Elena , Shirmanova Marina
Published: November 2022

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in regulation of many aspects of tumor growth and response to therapies. However, the specifics of the interaction of chemotherapeutic agents with cancer cells in the presence of collagen, the major component of ECM, is still poorly investigated. In this study, we explored distribution of doxorubicin (DOX) and its effects on cancer cells’ metabolism in the presence of collagen with different structures in 3D models. For this, a combination of second harmonic generation imaging of collagen and multiphoton fluorescence microscopy of DOX, and metabolic cofactor NAD(P)H was used. It was found that collagen slowed down the diffusion of DOX and thus decreased the cellular drug uptake. Besides nuclei, DOX also targeted mitochondria leading to inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation, which was more pronounced in the cells growing in the absence of collagen. As a result, the cells in collagen displayed better viability upon treatment with DOX. Taken together, our data illustrate that tumor collagen contributes to heterogeneous and sub-optimal response to DOX and highlight the challenges in improving drug delivery and efficacy.
Regulatory T Cells in Ovarian Carcinogenesis and Future Therapeutic Opportunities
Authors: Cassar Emily , Kartikasari Apriliana E. R. , Plebanski Magdalena
Published: November 2022

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to play a role in the development of solid tumors. A better understanding of the biology of Tregs, immune suppression by Tregs, and how cancer developed with the activity of Tregs has facilitated the development of strategies used to improve immune-based therapy. In ovarian cancer, Tregs have been shown to promote cancer development and resistance at different cancer stages. Understanding the various Treg-mediated immune escape mechanisms provides opportunities to establish specific, efficient, long-lasting anti-tumor immunity. Here, we review the evidence of Treg involvement in various stages of ovarian cancer. We further provide an overview of the current and prospective therapeutic approaches that arise from the modulation of Treg-related tumor immunity at those specific stages. Finally, we propose combination strategies of Treg-related therapies with other anti-tumor therapies to improve clinical efficacy and overcome tumor resistance in ovarian cancer.
Silver Dependent Enantiodivergent Gold(I) Catalysed Asymmetric Intramolecular Hydroamination of Alkenes: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Dixit Ruchi , Sharma Himanshu , Agbossou-Niedercorn Francine , Vanka Kumar , Michon Christophe
Published: November 2022

We report a theoretical study of the first silver-dependent enantiodivergent gold-catalysed reaction. The combination of a single chiral binuclear gold(I) chloride complex and silver perchlorate catalyses the asymmetric intramolecular hydroamination of alkenes and affords both enantiomers of the products by applying a simple solvent change from toluene to methanol. A gold-silver chloride adduct that occurs only in methanol appears to control the enantioinversion. If one gold atom coordinates and activates the alkene moiety, the other gold is included in an adduct with silver chloride, which coordinates a methanol solvent molecule and further interacts with the amine function. If the use of toluene implies free anions and affords (S)-enantiomer, methanol allows a proximal interaction with the amine, leads to an opposite stereodifferentiation of the two diastereomeric intermediates during the final protodeauration step and results in the (R)-enantiomer.
Preparation and Photocatalytic/Photoelectrochemical Investigation of 2D ZnO/CdS Nanocomposites
Authors: Bakranova Dina , Seitov Bekbolat , Bakranov Nurlan
Published: November 2022

Properties of heterotructured semiconductors based on ZnO/CdS nanosheets are investigated for their possible application in photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical reactions. Semiconductor material is the main active coating of photoanodes, which triggers the half-reaction of water oxidation and reduction, which entails the purifying or splitting of water. This article explains nanocomposite assembly by convenient and simple methods. The study of the physicochemical properties of semiconductor layers is carried out using electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and UV-visible spectroscopy. Studies of electrochemical properties are carried out by potential static methods in electrochemical cells.
Radiomics in Head and Neck Cancer Outcome Predictions
Authors: Gonçalves Maria , Gsaxner Christina , Ferreira André , Li Jianning , Puladi Behrus , Kleesiek Jens , Egger Jan , Alves Victor
Published: November 2022

Head and neck cancer has great regional anatomical complexity, as it can develop in different structures, exhibiting diverse tumour manifestations and high intratumoural heterogeneity, which is highly related to resistance to treatment, progression, the appearance of metastases, and tumour recurrences. Radiomics has the potential to address these obstacles by extracting quantitative, measurable, and extractable features from the region of interest in medical images. Medical imaging is a common source of information in clinical practice, presenting a potential alternative to biopsy, as it allows the extraction of a large number of features that, although not visible to the naked eye, may be relevant for tumour characterisation. Taking advantage of machine learning techniques, the set of features extracted when associated with biological parameters can be used for diagnosis, prognosis, and predictive accuracy valuable for clinical decision-making. Therefore, the main goal of this contribution was to determine to what extent the features extracted from Computed Tomography (CT) are related to cancer prognosis, namely Locoregional Recurrences (LRs), the development of Distant Metastases (DMs), and Overall Survival (OS). Through the set of tumour characteristics, predictive models were developed using machine learning techniques. The tumour was described by radiomic features, extracted from images, and by the clinical data of the patient. The performance of the models demonstrated that the most successful algorithm was XGBoost, and the inclusion of the patients’ clinical data was an asset for cancer prognosis. Under these conditions, models were created that can reliably predict the LR, DM, and OS status, with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) values equal to 0.74, 0.84, and 0.91, respectively. In summary, the promising results obtained show the potential of radiomics, once the considered cancer prognosis can, in fact, be expressed through CT scans.
Multi-Stage Temporal Convolution Network for COVID-19 Variant Classification
Authors: Ullah Waseem , Ullah Amin , Malik Khalid Mahmood , Saudagar Abdul Khader Jilani , Khan Muhammad Badruddin , Hasanat Mozaherul Hoque Abul , AlTameem Abdullah , AlKhathami Mohammed
Published: November 2022

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has developed into a global epidemic. Due to the pathogenic virus’s high transmission rate, accurate identification and early prediction are required for subsequent therapy. Moreover, the virus’s polymorphic nature allows it to evolve and adapt to various environments, making prediction difficult. However, other diseases, such as dengue, MERS-CoV, Ebola, SARS-CoV-1, and influenza, necessitate the employment of a predictor based on their genomic information. To alleviate the situation, we propose a deep learning-based mechanism for the classification of various SARS-CoV-2 virus variants, including the most recent, Omicron. Our model uses a neural network with a temporal convolution neural network to accurately identify different variants of COVID-19. The proposed model first encodes the sequences in the numerical descriptor, and then the convolution operation is applied for discriminative feature extraction from the encoded sequences. The sequential relations between the features are collected using a temporal convolution network to classify COVID-19 variants accurately. We collected recent data from the NCBI, on which the proposed method outperforms various baselines with a high margin.