bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calcium-Related Gene Signatures May Predict Prognosis and Level of Immunosuppression in Gliomas
Authors: Liu Peidong , Li Yu , Zhang Yiming , Choi John , Zhang Jinhao , Shang Guanjie , Li Bailiang , Lin Ya-Jui , Saleh Laura , Zhang Liang , Yi Li , Yu Shengping , Lim Michael , Yang Xuejun
Published: May 2022

Gliomas are the most common primary brain cancer. While it has been known that calcium-related genes correlate with gliomagenesis, the relationship between calcium-related genes and glioma prognosis remains unclear. We assessed TCGA datasets of mRNA expressions with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enrichment analysis to specifically screen for genes that regulate or are affected by calcium levels. We then correlated the identified calcium-related genes with unsupervised/supervised learning to classify glioma patients into 2 risk groups. We also correlated our identified genes with immune signatures. As a result, we discovered 460 calcium genes and 35 calcium key genes that were associated with OS. There were 13 DEGs between Clusters 1 and 2 with different OS. At the same time, 10 calcium hub genes (CHGs) signature model were constructed using supervised learning, and the prognostic risk scores of the 3 cohorts of samples were calculated. The risk score was confirmed as an independent predictor of prognosis. Immune enrichment analysis revealed an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment with upregulation of checkpoint markers in the high-risk group. Finally, a nomogram was generated with risk scores and other clinical prognostic independent indicators to quantify prognosis. Our findings suggest that calcium-related gene expression patterns could be applicable to predict prognosis and predict levels of immunosuppression.
Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging for Monitoring the Immune Response of Immunogenic Chemotherapy
Authors: Hu Junjiao , Yu Xin , Yin Peidi , Du Bin , Cai Xiangran
Published: May 2022

Objective

To evaluate the predictive value of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the quantitative assessment of conventional chemotherapy-activated immune responses in mouse tumor models and clinics.

Methods

A total of 19 subcutaneous tumor-bearing mice were randomly divided into treated and control groups. Both groups had orderly IVIM DWI examinations before and on days 6 and 12 after the administration of cyclophosphamide (CPA) or saline. Pathologic examinations were performed, including HE staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The expressions of immune-related genes in the tumor were measured by qPCR. In addition, six patients with breast cancer requiring neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) also underwent functional MRI examinations and IHC to determine potential antitumor immune response.

Results

At the end of the study, the CPA treatment group showed the lowest tumor volume compared to the control group. For pathological examinations, the CPA treatment group showed a lower percentage of CD31 staining (P < 0.01) and Ki-67 staining (P<0.01), and a higher percentage of TUNEL staining (P < 0.01). The tumoral pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*) value showed a positive correlation with the CD31-positive staining rate (r = 0.729, P < 0.0001). The diffusion related parameters (D) value was positively correlated with TUNEL (r = 0.858, P < 0.0001) and negatively correlated with Ki-67 (r = -0.904, P < 0.0001). Moreover, a strong induction of the expression of the immune responses in the CPA treatment group was observed on day 12. D values showed a positive correlation with the Ifnb1-, CD8a-, Mx1-, Cxcl10- (r = 0.868, 0.864, 0.874, and 0.885, respectively, P < 0.0001 for all). Additionally, the functional MRI parameters and IHC results in patients with breast cancer after NACT also showed a close correlation between D value and CD8a (r = 0.631, P = 0.028).

Conclusions

The treatment response induced by immunogenic chemotherapy could be effectively evaluated using IVIM-DWI. The D values could be potential, sensitive imaging marker for identifying the antitumor immune response initiated by immunogenic chemotherapy.
S-1 Maintenance Therapy After First-Line Treatment With Nab-Paclitaxel Plus S-1 for Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Real-World Study
Authors: Shi Yan , Han Quanli , Yan Huan , Lv Yao , Yuan Jing , Li Jie , Guan Shasha , Wang Zhikuan , Huang Lei , Dai Guanghai
Published: May 2022

Background

In our previous phase II study, nab-paclitaxel plus S-1 (NPS) showed encouraging objective response rate (ORR) as first-line treatment for advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (APAC). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of S-1 maintenance after NPS in APAC and to explore factors predicting survival benefits when using S-1 maintenance.

Methods

Between 2014 and 2018 a total of 182 patients with APAC, who were primarily treated with NPS, were included. For patients without progression or with treatment discontinuation due to any reasons within 4 months during NPS treatment, S-1 monotherapy was administrable as maintenance therapy at the physicians’ discretion based on the patients’ preference and performance status. Efficacy and safety of S-1 maintenance were investigated.

Results

In 123 patients without progression within 4 months during NPS treatment, 74 received S-1 maintenance and had median progression-free survival of 9.6 months and median overall survival of 16.7 months. Multivariable analysis showed that in patients receiving S-1 maintenance after first-line NPS therapy, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status score of 0, non-metastatic disease, and complete or partial response as best response to NPS chemotherapy were independently associated with better survival. The most common all-grade hematological and non-hematological adverse events were neutropenia (82.4%) and peripheral neurotoxicity (66.2%), respectively, and the most common ≥Grade 3 hematological and non-hematological adverse events were neutropenia (40.5%) and peripheral neurotoxicity (6.8%), respectively in patients who received S-1 maintenance.

Conclusions

Our real-world study showed that S-1 maintenance after tumor response or stable disease induced by first-line NPS treatment was effective and well-tolerated for some patients with APAC, which offers a promising alternative treatment strategy with encouraging survival for APAC.
Computed Tomography-Based Radiomics for Differentiation of Thymic Epithelial Tumors and Lymphomas in Anterior Mediastinum
Authors: He Wenzhang , Xia Chunchao , Chen Xiaoyi , Yu Jianqun , Liu Jing , Pu Huaxia , Li Xue , Liu Shengmei , Chen Xinyue , Peng Liqing
Published: May 2022

Objective

To investigate the differential diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics in thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) and lymphomas in anterior mediastinum.

Methods

There were 149 patients with TETs and 93 patients with lymphomas enrolled. These patients were assigned to a training set (n = 171) and an external validation set (n = 71). Dedicated radiomics prototype software was used to segment lesions on preoperative chest enhanced CT images and extract features. The multivariable logistic regression algorithm was used to construct three models according to clinico-radiologic features, radiomics features, and combined features, respectively. Performance of the three models was compared by using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs). Decision curve analysis was used to evaluate clinical utility of the three models.

Results

For clinico-radiologic model, radiomics signature model, and combined model, the AUCs were 0.860, 0.965, 0.975 and 0.843, 0.961, 0.955 in the training cohort and the test cohort, respectively (all P<0.05). The accuracies of each model were 0.836, 0.895, 0.918 and 0.845, 0.901, 0.859 in the two cohorts, respectively (all P<0.05). Compared with the clinico-radiologic model, better diagnostic performances were found in the radiomics signature model and the combined model.

Conclusions

Radiomics signature model and combined model exhibit outstanding and comparable differential diagnostic performances between TETs and lymphomas. The CT-based radiomics analysis might serve as an effective tool for accurately differentiating TETs from lymphomas before treatment.
An Extended Prognostic Index of the ISSWM Score Based on Thyroid Complications in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia/Lymphoplasmacytoid Lymphoma
Authors: Hu Xinting , Wang Hua , Yuan Dai , Qu Huiting , Li Ying , Wang Na , Wang Xianghua , Liu Xin , Xu Hongzhi , Zhang Ya , Wang Xin
Published: May 2022

Waldenström macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma (WM/LPL) is a rare lymphoproliferative neoplasm characterized by clonally related lymphocytes, lymphoplasmacytic cells, and plasma cell proliferation. WM/LPL patients commonly present with elevated immunoglobulin, predominantly immunoglobulin M (IgM). Previous studies reported that thyroid dysfunction was associated with the development and progression of solid tumors. However, only limited information is available on the correlation between thyroid complications and lymphoid malignancies. The aim of our study was to explore the prognostic significance of thyroid complications in WM/LPL. Herein, 13.3% of WM/LPL patients were diagnosed with thyroid complications, which were significantly associated with unfavorable progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse treatment response. Co-existing thyroid disease was significantly related to alleviated serum IgM levels, providing an answer to practical problems. Furthermore, the presence of thyroid complications was identified as an independent prognostic indicator for PFS in WM/LPL. Incorporating the ISSWM score with thyroid complications was superior to ISSWM alone in risk stratification and prognostic prediction. Furthermore, subgroup analyses of WM/LPL patients revealed that subclinical hypothyroidism predicted undesirable outcomes at the early stage. These results were also supported by independent microarray dataset analyses. In conclusion, the primary strength of this study is that it provides robust real-world evidence on the prognostic role of thyroid complications, highlighting further clinical concerns in the management of WM/LPL patients.
NIPA (Nuclear Interaction Partner of ALK) Is Crucial for Effective NPM-ALK Mediated Lymphomagenesis
Authors: Kreutmair Stefanie , Lippert Lena Johanna , Klingeberg Cathrin , Albers-Leischner Corinna , Yacob Salome , Shlyakhto Valeria , Mueller Tony , Mueller-Rudorf Alina , Yu Chuanjiang , Gorantla Sivahari Prasad , Miething Cornelius , Duyster Justus , Illert Anna Lena
Published: May 2022

The NPM-ALK fusion kinase is expressed in 60% of systemic anaplastic large-cell lymphomas (ALCL). A Nuclear Interaction Partner of ALK (NIPA) was identified as a binding partner of NPM-ALK. To identify the precise role of NIPA for NPM-ALK-driven lymphomagenesis, we investigated various NPM-ALK+ cell lines and mouse models. Nipa deletion in primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts resulted in reduced transformation ability and colony formation upon NPM-ALK expression. Downregulating NIPA in murine NPM-ALK+ Ba/F3 and human ALCL cells decreased their proliferation ability and demonstrated synergistic effects of ALK inhibition and NIPA knockdown. Comprehensive in vivo analyses using short- and long-latency transplantation mouse models with NPM-ALK+ bone marrow (BM) revealed that Nipa deletion inhibited NPM-ALK-induced tumorigenesis with prolonged survival and reduced spleen colonies. To avoid off-target effects, we combined Nipa deletion and NPM-ALK expression exclusively in T cells using a lineage-restricted murine ALCL-like model resembling human disease: control mice died from neoplastic T-cell infiltration, whereas mice transplanted with Lck-CreTG/wtNipaflox/flox NPM-ALK+ BM showed significantly prolonged survival. Immunophenotypic analyses indicated a characteristic ALCL-like phenotype in all recipients but revealed fewer “stem-cell-like” features of Nipa-deficient lymphomas compared to controls. Our results identify NIPA as a crucial player in effective NPM-ALK-driven ALCL-like disease in clinically relevant murine and cell-based models.
Reclassification of Hepatocellular Cancer With Neural-Related Genes
Authors: Zhang Yi-Gan , Jin Ming-Zhu , Zhu Xiao-Ran , Jin Wei-Lin
Published: May 2022

Neural infiltration is a critical component of the tumor microenvironment; however, owing to technological limitations, its role in hepatocellular cancer remains obscure. Herein, we obtained the RNA-sequencing data of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and performed a series of bioinformatic analyses, including prognosis analysis, pathway enrichment, and immune analysis, using the R software packages, Consensus Cluster Plus and Limma. LIHC could be divided into two subtypes according to the expression of neural-related genes (NRGs); moreover, there are statistic differences in the prognosis, stage, and immune regulation between the two subtypes. The prognostic model showed that high expression of NRGs correlated with a poor survival prognosis (P<0.05). Further, CHRNE, GFRA2, GFRA3, and GRIN2D was significantly correlated with LIHC clinical prognosis, clinical stage, immune infiltration, immune response, and vital signaling pathways. There was nerve-cancer crosstalk in LIHC. A reclassification of LIHC based on NRG expression may prove beneficial to clinical practice. CHRNE, GFRA2, GFRA3, and GRIN2D may serve as potential biomarker for liver cancer prognosis or immune response.
Nutritional Risk Index as a Prognostic Factor Predicts the Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Stage III Gastric Cancer
Authors: Song Haibin , Sun Hongkai , Yang Laishou , Gao Hongyu , Cui Yongkang , Yu Chengping , Xu Haozhi , Li Linqiang
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study is aimed to determine the potential prognostic significance of nutritional risk index (NRI) in patients with stage III gastric cancer.

Methods

A total of 202 patients with stage III gastric cancer were enrolled in this study. NRI was an index based on ideal body weight, present body weight, and serum albumin levels. All patients were divided into two groups by receiver operating characteristic curve: low NRI group (NRI<99) and high NRI group (NRI≥99). The relationship between NRI and clinicopathologic characteristics was evaluated by Chi-square test. The clinical survival outcome was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and compared using log-rank test. The univariate and multivariate analyses were used to detect the potential prognostic factors. A nomogram for individualized assessment of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The calibration curve was used to evaluate the performance of the nomogram for predicted and the actual probability of survival time. The decision curve analysis was performed to assess the clinical utility of the nomogram by quantifying the net benefits at different threshold probabilities.

Results

The results indicated that NRI had prognostic significance by optimal cutoff value of 99. With regard to clinicopathologic characteristics, NRI showed significant relationship with age, weight, body mass index, total protein, albumin, albumin/globulin, prealbumin, glucose, white blood cell, neutrophils, lymphocyte, hemoglobin, red blood cell, hematocrit, total lymph nodes, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (P<0.05). Through the univariate and multivariate analyses, NRI, total lymph nodes, and tumor size were identified as the independent factor to predict the DFS and OS. The nomogram was used to predict the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival probabilities, and the calibration curve showed that the prediction line matched the reference line well for 1-, 3-, and 5-year DFS and OS. Furthermore, the decision curve analysis also showed that the nomogram model yielded the best net benefit across the range of threshold probability for 1-, 3-, 5-year DFS and OS.

Conclusions

NRI is described as the potential prognostic factor for patients with stage III gastric cancer and is used to predict the survival and prognosis.
New Indications for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Gene Therapy in Lysosomal Storage Disorders
Authors: Rossini Linda , Durante Caterina , Marzollo Antonio , Biffi Alessandra
Published: May 2022

Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are a heterogenous group of disorders due to genetically determined deficits of lysosomal enzymes. The specific molecular mechanism and disease phenotype depends on the type of storage material. Several disorders affect the brain resulting in severe clinical manifestations that substantially impact the expectancy and quality of life. Current treatment modalities for LSDs include enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from allogeneic healthy donors, but are available for a limited number of disorders and lack efficacy on several clinical manifestations. Hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy (HSC GT) based on integrating lentiviral vectors resulted in robust clinical benefit when administered to patients affected by Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, for whom it is now available as a registered medicinal product. More recently, HSC GT has also shown promising results in Hurler syndrome patients. Here, we discuss possible novel HSC GT indications that are currently under development. If these novel drugs will prove effective, they might represent a new standard of care for these disorders, but several challenges will need to be addresses, including defining and possibly expanding the patient population for whom HSC GT could be efficacious.
Post-Radiotherapy PET Image Outcome Prediction by Deep Learning Under Biological Model Guidance: A Feasibility Study of Oropharyngeal Cancer Application
Authors: Ji Hangjie , Lafata Kyle , Mowery Yvonne , Brizel David , Bertozzi Andrea L. , Yin Fang-Fang , Wang Chunhao
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To develop a method of biologically guided deep learning for post-radiation 18FDG-PET image outcome prediction based on pre-radiation images and radiotherapy dose information.

Methods

Based on the classic reaction–diffusion mechanism, a novel biological model was proposed using a partial differential equation that incorporates spatial radiation dose distribution as a patient-specific treatment information variable. A 7-layer encoder–decoder-based convolutional neural network (CNN) was designed and trained to learn the proposed biological model. As such, the model could generate post-radiation 18FDG-PET image outcome predictions with breakdown biological components for enhanced explainability. The proposed method was developed using 64 oropharyngeal patients with paired 18FDG-PET studies before and after 20-Gy delivery (2 Gy/day fraction) by intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). In a two-branch deep learning execution, the proposed CNN learns specific terms in the biological model from paired 18FDG-PET images and spatial dose distribution in one branch, and the biological model generates post-20-Gy 18FDG-PET image prediction in the other branch. As in 2D execution, 718/233/230 axial slices from 38/13/13 patients were used for training/validation/independent test. The prediction image results in test cases were compared with the ground-truth results quantitatively.

Results

The proposed method successfully generated post-20-Gy 18FDG-PET image outcome prediction with breakdown illustrations of biological model components. Standardized uptake value (SUV) mean values in 18FDG high-uptake regions of predicted images (2.45 ± 0.25) were similar to ground-truth results (2.51 ± 0.33). In 2D-based Gamma analysis, the median/mean Gamma Index (<1) passing rate of test images was 96.5%/92.8% using the 5%/5 mm criterion; such result was improved to 99.9%/99.6% when 10%/10 mm was adopted.

Conclusion

The developed biologically guided deep learning method achieved post-20-Gy 18FDG-PET image outcome predictions in good agreement with ground-truth results. With the breakdown biological modeling components, the outcome image predictions could be used in adaptive radiotherapy decision-making to optimize personalized plans for the best outcome in the future.
Muscle Hypertrophy in a Newly Developed Resistance Exercise Model for Rats
Authors: Al-Sarraf Hameed , Mouihate Abdeslam
Published: May 2022

Clinical evidence suggests that resistance exercise exerts health benefit. The mechanisms underlying such health benefits is largely explored in experimental animals. Available experimental models have several shortcomings such as the need for noxious stimuli that could affect the physiological readouts. In this study, we describe a simple-to-use experimental model of resistance exercise. In this resistance exercise, rats pull pre-determined weights using a tunnel and pulley system. We show that resistance-exercised rats developed a larger pulling strength when compared to those seen in either control rats or in rats subjected to traditional treadmill exercise. Histological examination revealed that resistance exercise led to a larger fiber cross-sectional area in the plantaris muscle, but not in the gastrocnemius or the soleus muscles. Similarly, the percentage of type-II muscle fibers in the plantaris was increased in resistance exercised rats when compared to those seen in plantaris muscles of either control or treadmill-exercised rat groups. Furthermore, this resistance exercise led to a significant increase in the expression levels of the phosphorylated protein kinase B; a marker of muscle hypertrophy in the plantaris muscle. Such effects were not seen in treadmill-trained rats. In conclusion, we developed an experimental model that can be amenable for experimental exploration of the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of resistance exercise. We further provide evidence that this resistance exercise model enhanced muscle strength and muscle hypertrophy.
The Performance-Result Gap in Mixed-Reality Cycling – Evidence From the Virtual Tour de France 2020 on Zwift
Authors: Westmattelmann Daniel , Stoffers Benedikt , Sprenger Marius , Grotenhermen Jan-Gerrit , Schewe Gerhard
Published: May 2022

Background: Mixed-reality sports are increasingly reaching the highest level of sport, exemplified by the first Virtual Tour de France, held in 2020. In road races, power output data are only sporadically available, which is why the effect of power output on race results is largely unknown. However, in mixed-reality competitions, measuring and comparing the power output data of all participants is a fundamental prerequisite for evaluating the athlete’s performance.

Objective: This study investigates the influence of different power output parameters (absolute and relative peak power output) as well as body mass and height on the results in mixed-reality competitions.

Methods: We scrape data from all six stages of the 2020 Virtual Tour de France of women and men and analyze it using regression analysis. Third-order polynomial regressions are performed as a cubic relationship between power output and competition result can be assumed.

Results: Across all stages, relative power output over the entire distance explains most of the variance in the results, with maximum explanatory power between 77% and 98% for women and between 84% and 99% for men. Thus, power output is the most powerful predictor of success in mixed-reality sports. However, the identified performance-result gap reveals that other determinants have a subordinate role in success. Body mass and height can explain the results only in a few stages. The explanatory power of the determinants considered depends in particular on the stage profile and the progression of the race.

Conclusion: By identifying this performance-result gap that needs to be addressed by considering additional factors like competition strategy or the specific use of equipment, important implications for the future of sports science and mixed-reality sports emerge.
Transport and Barrier Functions in Rainbow Trout Trunk Skin Are Regulated by Environmental Salinity
Authors: Doyle D. , Carney Almroth B. , Sundell K. , Simopoulou N. , Sundh H.
Published: May 2022

The mechanisms underpinning ionic transport and barrier function have been relatively well characterised in amphibians and fish. In teleost fish, these processes have mostly been characterised in the gill and intestine. In contrast, these processes remain much less clear for the trunk skin of fish. In this study, we measured barrier function and active transport in the trunk skin of the rainbow trout, using the Ussing chamber technique. The effects of epithelial damage, skin region, salinity, and pharmacological inhibition were tested. Skin barrier function decreased significantly after the infliction of a superficial wound through the removal of scales. Wound healing was already underway after 3 h and, after 24 h, there was no significant difference in barrier function towards ions between the wounded and control skin. In relation to salinity, skin permeability decreased drastically following exposure to freshwater, and increased following exposure to seawater. Changes in epithelial permeability were accompanied by salinity-dependent changes in transepithelial potential and short-circuit current. The results of this study support the idea that barrier function in rainbow trout trunk skin is regulated by tight junctions that rapidly respond to changes in salinity. The changes in transepithelial permeability and short circuit current also suggest the presence of an active transport component. Immunostaining and selective inhibition suggest that one active transport component is an apical V-ATPase. However, further research is required to determine the exact role of this transporter in the context of the trunk skin.
Substrate pH Influences the Nutrient Absorption and Rhizosphere Microbiome of Huanglongbing-Affected Grapefruit Plants
Authors: Ferrarezi Rhuanito Soranz , Lin Xiongjie , Gonzalez Neira Andres C. , Tabay Zambon Flavia , Hu Hanqing , Wang Xianda , Huang Jing-Hao , Fan Guocheng
Published: May 2022

The substrate pH directly affects nutrient availability in the rhizosphere and nutrient uptake by plants. Macronutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur are highly available at pH 6.0–6.5, while micronutrients become less available at higher, alkaline pH (pH > 7.0). Recent research has indicated that low pHs can enhance nutrient uptake and improve sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) tree health. We designed a study to understand the influence of a wide range of substrate pH values on plant size and biomass, nutrient availability, leaf gas exchange, and rhizosphere microbiome of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) affected by Huanglongbing (HLB). Two-year-old “Ray Ruby” grapefruit plants grafted on sour orange (Citrus aurantium) rootstock were cultivated indoors in 10-cm wide × 40-cm tall pots with peat:perlite commercial substrate (80:20 v/v). We tested two disease statuses [HLB-free or healthy (negative, HLB–) and HLB-affected (positive, HLB+)] and six substrate pH values (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) in a 2 × 6 factorial arranged on a complete randomized design with four replications. The canopy volume of HLB+ plants was 20% lower than healthy plants, with pHs 7 and 9 resulting in 44% less canopy volume. The root and shoot ratio of dry weight was 25.8% lower in HLB+ than in healthy plants. Poor root growth and a decrease in fibrous roots were found, especially in pH 5 and 6 treatments in HLB+ plants (p < 0.0001). The disease status and the substrate pHs influenced the leaf nutrient concentration (p < 0.05). High substrate pH affects nutrient availability for root uptake, influencing the nutrient balance throughout the plant system. pH values did not affect plant photosynthesis, indicating that pH does not recover HLB+ plants to the photosynthetic levels of healthy plants—even though high pH positively influenced internal CO2. There were collectively over 200 rhizobacterial identified by the 16S rRNA gene sequencing in individual phylogenetic trees. Most rhizobacteria reads were identified in pH 9. Our results indicated no effect of substrate pHs on the plant disease status induced by enhanced nutrient uptake.
Breaking Through Barriers: Factors That Influence Behavior Change Toward Leadership for Women in Academic Medicine
Authors: Pelfrey Clara M. , Cola Philip A. , Gerlick Joshua A. , Edgar Billie K. , Khatri Sumita B.
Published: May 2022

Under-representation of women in leadership at Academic Medical Centers (AMCs) is a known challenge such that, in 2021, women made up only 28% of department chairs. AMCs are addressing the dearth of women leaders through targeted programming to create leadership pipelines of qualified women. The FLEX Leadership Development Program at the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine prepares women faculty for increased leadership opportunities. FLEX includes the opportunity to leverage executive coaching to accomplish individual goals. The FLEX program has the explicit goal of increasing the number of women in visible leadership positions in academic medicine and health sciences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 graduates from seven FLEX cohorts (2012–2018). Participants reflected diversity in academic rank, terminal degree, racial/ethnic background, years of employment, and institutional affiliation. Interviews consisted of eight questions with additional probes to elicit lived experiences. Analysis consisted of two-stage open- and axial-coding of interview transcripts to understand: What factors facilitated behavior change following FLEX training? The analysis revealed five overarching themes: (1) Communication skills; (2) Self-Efficacy; (3) Networking; (4) Situational Awareness; and (5) Visioning. FLEX graduates reported achieving both personal and professional growth by drawing upon peer networks to proactively seek new leadership opportunities. These results suggest that the enduring benefits of the FLEX Program include improved communication skills, expanded situational awareness and relational capacity, greater self-efficacy and self-confidence, improved networking with an understanding of the value of networking. All these factors led FLEX graduates to have greater visibility and to engage with their colleagues more effectively. Similarly, FLEX graduates could better advocate for themselves and for others as well as paying it forward to mentor and train the next generation of faculty. Finally, participants learned to re-evaluate their goals and their career vision to be able to envision themselves in greater leadership roles. The five factors that strongly influenced behavior change provide valuable constructs for other programs to examine following leadership development training. Ongoing studies include examining successful leadership position attainment, personal goal attainment, and measuring changes in leadership self-efficacy.
The Design and Development of the Internet-Based System for Testing and Analyzing the Psychological and Physiological Responses During Creative Learning
Authors: Wang Junhui
Published: May 2022

An Internet-based system for testing and analyzing psychological and physiological responses during creative learning was developed using virtual instruments based on microcomputer interfaces and network communication technologies. The system can be used to study and evaluate innovative learning processes and performance at the psychological and physiological levels. This paper presents the design, implementation, and application of the system.
A Whole Transcriptome Analysis in Peripheral Blood Suggests That Energy Metabolism and Inflammation Are Involved in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Wang Yu , Wei Jinxue , Chen Ting , Yang Xiao , Zhao Liansheng , Wang Min , Dou Yikai , Du Yue , Ni Rongjun , Li Tao , Ma Xiaohong
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Previous studies on transcriptional profiles suggested dysregulation of multiple RNA species in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the interaction between different types of RNA was neglected. Therefore, integration of different RNA species in transcriptome analysis would be helpful for interpreting the functional readout of the transcriptome in MDD.

Methods

A whole transcriptome sequencing were performed on the peripheral blood of 15 patients with MDD and 15 matched healthy controls (HCs). The differential expression of miRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs, and mRNAs was examined between MDD and HCs using empirical analysis of digital gene expression data in R (edgeR). Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify RNA co-expression modules associated with MDD. A ceRNA network was constructed for interpretation of interactions between different RNA species. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were conducted to explore potential biological mechanisms associated with MDD.

Results

Multiple RNAs and co-expression modules were identified to be significantly dysregulated in MDD compared to HCs. Based on the differential RNAs, a ceRNA network that were dysregulated in MDD were constructed. The pathway networks that related to oxidative phosphorylation and the chemokine signaling were found to be associated with MDD.

Conclusion

Our results suggested that the processes of energy metabolism and inflammation may be involved in the pathophysiology of MDD.
Engaging Remote Aboriginal Communities in COVID-19 Public Health Messaging via Crowdsourcing
Authors: Glennie Miriam , Dowden Michelle , Grose Mark , Scolyer Meg , Superina Alessandra , Gardner Karen
Published: May 2022

Health comunication is a critical component of pandemic mitigation, but mainstream prevention messaging often lacks social, cultural and linguistic relevance to vulnerable populations. This community case study presents a novel, highly participatory pandemic prevention communication campaign that engaged individuals in remote Aboriginal communities of the Northern Territory of Australia directly in prevention messaging via crowdsourcing, and distributed videos to remote area post-codes via targeted Facebook advertising. Facebook metrics, administrative campaign data and national statistics are used to assess campaign reach and engagement. The case study discusses lessons learned from the campaign, including how seeking unscripted COVID-19 prevention video messaging can support community ownership of pandemic messaging, rapid content generation, and a high level of Facebook user engagement. It also discusses the effectiveness of targeting remote area post-codes via Facebook advertising both to reach the target audience, and to support quality improvement assessments to inform health communication decision-making in a low resource setting.
Neuroscience of Sense of Agency
Authors: Patnaik Mantosh , Thirugnanasambandam Nivethida
Published: May 2022

One important reason for living organisms to have a brain is to produce movement. Movements can be voluntary (those that are in our control, like walking) or involuntary (those that are not under our direct control, like breathing). Our brain is not only responsible for producing these movements, but also for generating the sense of being in control of our voluntary movements. Feeling like we are in control of our movements is called our sense of agency. How is the sense of agency generated? Are we really in “control” of our actions? This article attempts to answer these questions, discusses what happens when our sense of agency is disrupted and concludes with a summary of the current and future research in this field.
Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Control Practices of Rodents in an Agricultural Area of Taiwan
Authors: Best Ian Nicholas , Shaner Pei-Jen Lee , Pei Kurtis Jai-Chyi , Kuo Chi-Chien
Published: May 2022

Rodents threaten agricultural industries and food security on a global scale. Rodent management practices routinely involve the use of chemical products, mainly anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs). An understanding of farmer rodent control behaviors is crucial in order to implement management changes to more environmentally friendly practices. In this study, we surveyed farmers in an agricultural area of northwestern Taiwan on their knowledge, attitudes, and control practices for rodent pests. From our survey sample of 126 farmers, rodents were perceived to be the most problematic for vegetable crops, followed by rice, and then fruit. Farmers in the oldest age group and those that perceived rodents to cause extensive damage to their crops were found to have the most negative attitudes toward the pests. One-third of the farmers in our survey stated they currently use rodenticides, with crop type, perceived problems caused by rodents, and attitudes toward rodents found to be important explanatory variables. Our results indicate that the use of rodenticides is reactive; farmers are more likely to apply the chemical products if they perceive rodents to cause damage. Additionally, cost–benefit assessments are likely important in governing rodent control behaviors; farmers may be more inclined to use control products that are subsidized by the government, which include ARs, when they observe damage to their crops inflicted by rodents. We also describe how ecologically based rodent management (EBRM) practices could be feasible and sustainable alternatives to rodenticide use.
Effects of Low Temperature on the Amino Acid Composition of Wheat Grains
Authors: Hu Xinyi , Ma Jifeng , Qian Weihao , Cao Yuan , Zhang Yu , Liu Bing , Tang Liang , Cao Weixing , Zhu Yan , Liu Leilei
Published: May 2022

Global warming can have detrimental effects on crop production formation, but the effect of low-temperature stress on crop quality should not be ignored. Wheat is one of the main grain crops in the world, and the quality of wheat is directly related to human health. The nutritional importance of wheat in the human diet necessitates pursuing a study to collect detailed and accurate knowledge of the amino acid composition of wheat proteins under low-temperature conditions. To better understand the effect of low temperature on the composition of amino acids in mature wheat, we conducted a two-year low-temperature-controlled wheat pot experiment in artificial climate chambers with two different wheat cultivars at four low-temperature intensities during the jointing, booting, and both jointing and booting stages. Our results suggest that the contents of total amino acids, essential amino acids, and nonessential amino acids for the cold-sensitive wheat cultivar (Yangmai16) increased under the low-temperature treatments, while the contents of the cold-tolerant cultivar (Xumai30) decreased when low-temperature was applied during the jointing and double (both jointing and booting) stages. Through the amino acid score (AAS), we found that the first limiting amino acid was Lys, while the second limiting amino acid varied among Ile, Met + Cys, and Val after the low-temperature treatments. Comparing the amino acid ratio coefficients (RCs), we found that Leu and Thr in wheat grains were close to the standard protein after the low-temperature treatments, while Phe and Tyr were in a surplus, and the other essential amino acids did not meet the standard. Thus, to improve the protein quality of wheat, protective measures should be taken when low temperatures occur.
Multi-Channel Spectral Sensors as Plant Reflectance Measuring Devices—Toward the Usability of Spectral Sensors for Phenotyping of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Authors: Tran Trung , Keller Rieke , Trinh Vinh , Tran Khanh , Kaldenhoff Ralf
Published: May 2022

Modern agriculture demands for comprehensive information about the plants themselves. Conventional chemistry-based analytical methods—due to their low throughput and high associated costs—are no longer capable of providing these data. In recent years, remote reflectance-based characterisation has become one of the most promising solutions for rapid assessments of plant attributes. However, in many cases, expensive equipment is required because accurate quantifications need assessments of the full reflectance spectrum. In this experimental study, we examined the versatility of visible spectral sensors as alternative reflectance measuring devices for biological/biochemical quantifications of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum). Our results confirm the applicability and scope of visible spectral sensors for analysis and quantification of important plant properties, in particular the contents of valuable substances, such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids.
Effect of Two Feed Additives—One Multicomponent Based on Nanosilica and the Second Containing Mycelium of Lentinula edodes Fortified with Selenium—On Production Parameters and Histological Analysis of Calves’ Duodenum and Abdominal Rumen
Authors: Bederska-Łojewska Dorota , Muszyńska Bożena , Orczewska-Dudek Sylwia , Kamyczek Marian , Kmiecik Ewelina , Lazur Jan , Pieszka Marek
Published: May 2022

With this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of two multicomponent feed additives given to animals from 10 to 70 d with milk replacer on the production parameters of reared calves: serum selenium level and histology of duodenum and rumen. The first additive was based on nanosilica (3000 mg) containing pancreatic enzymes (protease (18 mg), lipase (45 mg)), a mixture of fat-coated organic acids (2000 mg) (fumaric, malic, citric, and sorbic acids), and sodium butyrate (10,000 mg) (nanosilica/E/OA/SB), whereas the second was based on the mycelium of L. edodes (7 g) enriched in selenium (0.058 mg/g d.w.) (L. edodes/Se). The study was conducted on 18 male crossbred Holstein dairy calves from birth to 70 days of age, which were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups (six animals in each). From each group, three animals were sacrificed at 70 days of age, and histological analysis of the digestive tract (abdominal rumen and small intestine) was performed. It was observed that the additives used did not have any effect on growth performance and hematological or biochemical parameters. However, higher levels of selenium were found in serum in the calves fed with modified L. edodes mycelium on days 35 and 70 (44.33 and 51.33 µg/L in the control group and 132 and 93 µg/L in the L. edodes/Se group, respectively; p < 0.001). Moreover, we noticed lower average daily milk replacer intake at 35–42 d, which increased significantly from 42 to 70 d in the animals receiving L. edodes/Se.
The European Hare (Lepus europaeus) as a Biomonitor of Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) Occurrence in the Agro Biotope of Vojvodina, Serbia
Authors: Beuković Dejan , Vukadinović Marko , Krstović Saša , Polovinski-Horvatović Miroslava , Jajić Igor , Popović Zoran , Lavadinović Vukan , Beuković Miloš
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of two heavy metals, lead and cadmium, in European hare liver samples, collected in agro biotope of northern Serbian province Vojvodina. Heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) do not have any biological function in the animal body; however, they can be found due to the pollution in the environment. For the purpose of this study, in 196 samples from 17 different locations hare livers were analyzed for the occurrence of lead and cadmium. All samples were taken from hares harvested during the regular hunting season. The average value for lead in all analyzed samples was 884 µg/kg fresh weight (fw), with the range 59–3700 µg/kg fw. Only samples from two locations had the average concentration of lead which was within the permitted limit by the Serbian regulation. The average cadmium level in all samples was 243 µg/kg fw. The range of all samples was from 0 to 1414 µg/kg fw. Our research indicates that out of two investigated heavy metals, the occurrence of lead is more common and at a higher concentration in the agricultural development region of Vojvodina.
Photothermal Effects of High-Intensity Laser Therapy on the Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon Area in Clinically Healthy Racehorses
Authors: Zielińska Paulina , Soroko Maria , Godlewska Maria , Śniegucka Karolina , Dudek Krzysztof , Howell Kevin
Published: May 2022

The aim of the present study was to assess the photothermal effects of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of the hindlimb in racehorses. It was conducted on 18 clinically healthy thoroughbreds that were subjected to thermographic examination to measure surface temperature changes in the SDFT. This was performed before and immediately after HILT. This revealed statistically significant differences in the temperature of the skin surface overlying the flexor tendons (p < 0.001). The surface temperature of the area examined was higher by an average of 3.5 °C after HILT, compared with the temperature measured before HILT. Our results prove that HILT has a photothermal effect in treating soft tissue. This finding can be helpful in determining the appropriate parameters for monitoring the short- and long-term effects of HILT.
Processing and Evaluation of a Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composite Bar Using a Closed Impregnation Pultrusion System with Improved Production Speed
Authors: Kang Byungsoo , Lee Changki , Kim Seung-Mo , Yoo Hyeong-Min
Published: May 2022

In this paper, an epoxy resin-based carbon fiber reinforced composite (CFRP) bar pultrusion system using a closed impregnation device which has various advantages in process compared to traditional open bath type pultrusion system was developed, and the fiber impregnation system was improved through the analysis of resin properties for the high-speed production of CFRP bars used to support the mother glass in the display transfer cassettes. To improve the fiber feeder system, fiber guides were switched from perforated plates to roller guides for spreading fibers, which allowed the input fibers to be widened and flattened while reducing the fiber thickness. Additionally, the correlation between resin viscosity and impregnation speed were analyzed to evaluate the resulting mechanical properties at different pultrusion speeds and temperatures. A CFRP bar was produced with resin injection at room temperature and a pultrusion rate of 400 mm/min and compared to a CFRP bar produced with fiber spreading, a resin injection temperature of 40 °C, and a pultrusion rate of 600 mm/min; the latter with a 50% improved production rate showed improvements in mechanical properties, including the cross-sectional void by 98.7%, surface roughness by 75.5%, deflection by 34.9%, and bending strength by 70%.
Model Establishment of Cross-Disease Course Prediction Using Transfer Learning
Authors: Ying Josh Jia-Ching , Chang Yen-Ting , Chen Hsin-Hua , Chao Wen-Cheng
Published: May 2022

In recent years, the development and application of artificial intelligence have both been topics of concern. In the medical field, an important direction of medical technology development is the extraction and use of applicable information from existing medical records to provide more accurate and helpful diagnosis suggestions. Therefore, this paper proposes using the development of diseases with easily discernible symptoms to predict the development of other medically related but distinct diseases that lack similar data. The aim of this study is to improve the ease of assessing the development of diseases in which symptoms are difficult to detect, and to improve the utilization of medical data. First, a time series model was used to capture the continuous manifestations of diseases with symptoms that could be easily found at different time intervals. Then, through transfer learning and attention mechanism, the general features captured were applied to the predictive model of the development of diseases with insufficient data and symptoms that are difficult to detect. Finally, we conducted a comprehensive experimental study based on a dataset collected from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. The results demonstrate that the effectiveness of our transfer learning approach outperforms state-of-the-art deep learning prediction models for disease course prediction.