bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Principle and practice of hydraulic softening top-cutting and pressure relief technology in weakly cemented strata
Authors: Wang Tao , Xu Guoyao , Liu Liyuan , Bai Chaoqiang , Ye Weiwei , Sun Lihui
Published: February 2024

Extremely thick and hard roofs are difficult to break in the mining of a working face, and the large area of the suspended roof easily induces a strong ground pressure or dynamic impact disasters. The roof control of a coal mining face in a mine in western China was taken as a case study. The mineral composition, microstructure, and hydrophysical properties of the hard roof overlying the coal seam were analyzed. The characteristics of the weak-cementation strata that are prone to mud and collapse when encountering water were targeted to investigate the hydraulic softening roof-cutting and pressure relief technology. It was found that the clay mineral composition in the roof plate accounts for 60.6%. After 24 h of natural immersion, the rock strength decreased by approximately 10.3%–49%, and further immersion caused disintegration. By arranging high and low double-row water injection softening drilling holes in the cutting hole and roadway of the working face, the strength of roof rock strata in the target area was reduced, and the initial weighting step distance and weighting strength of the working face were reduced. The hydraulic softening roof-cutting pressure relief technology effectively regulated the weighting step distance of the hard roof and the peak weighting of the working face.
Self-esteem and family satisfaction as predictors of life satisfaction in Peruvian highland university students
Authors: Garnique-Hinostroza Ronald , Coaquira Odón Helar Huanca , Mamani-Benito Oscar , Turpo-Chaparro Josué Edison , Castillo-Blanco Ronald , Turpo Samuel Phala , Esteban Renzo Felipe Carranza
Published: February 2024

Objective

To determine whether self-esteem and family satisfaction predict life satisfaction in university students from the Peruvian highlands.

Methods

A cross-sectional, predictive design study with the participation of 848 Peruvian university students of both sexes (31.7% male and 68.3% female) whose ages ranged from 17 to 41 years old (M = 20.31 and SD = 3.66). The instruments used were Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale (RSE; 2000), Olson’s family satisfaction scale (FSS; 2006) and Diener’s life satisfaction scale (SWLS; 1985).

Results

Show that the proposed model had a fit of χ2 (269) = 1709.6, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.957, RMSEA = 0.080, SRMR = 0.061, evidencing that positive self-esteem (β = 0.21, p < 0.001) and family satisfaction (β = 0.57, p < 0.001) significantly predict life satisfaction. Unlike negative self-esteem, which does not predict life satisfaction (β = −0.09, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Self-esteem, family satisfaction, life satisfaction, university students, Peru.
Association between TyG index trajectory and new-onset lean NAFLD: a longitudinal study
Authors: Liu Haoshuang , Chen Jingfeng , Qin Qian , Yan Su , Wang Youxiang , Li Jiaoyan , Ding Suying
Published: February 2024

Objective

The purpose of this manuscript is to identify longitudinal trajectories of changes in triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and investigate the association of TyG index trajectories with risk of lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

Using data from 1,109 participants in the Health Management Cohort longitudinal study, we used Latent Class Growth Modeling (LCGM) to develop TyG index trajectories. Using a Cox proportional hazard model, the relationship between TyG index trajectories and incident lean NAFLD was analyzed. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to visually display the dose-response association between TyG index and lean NAFLD. We also deployed machine learning (ML) via Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) to predict lean NAFLD, validated by receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs). The LightGBM model was used to create an online tool for medical use. In addition, NAFLD was assessed by abdominal ultrasound after excluding other liver fat causes.

Results

The median age of the population was 46.6 years, and 440 (39.68%) of the participants were men. Three distinct TyG index trajectories were identified: “low stable” (TyG index ranged from 7.66 to 7.71, n=206, 18.5%), “moderate stable” (TyG index ranged from 8.11 to 8.15, n=542, 48.8%), and “high stable” (TyG index ranged from 8.61 to 8.67, n=363, 32.7%). Using a “low stable” trajectory as a reference, a “high stable” trajectory was associated with an increased risk of lean-NAFLD (HR: 2.668, 95% CI: 1.098-6.484). After adjusting for baseline age, WC, SBP, BMI, and ALT, HR increased slightly in “moderate stable” and “high stable” trajectories to 1.767 (95% CI:0.730-4.275) and 2.668 (95% CI:1.098-6.484), respectively. RCS analysis showed a significant nonlinear dose-response relationship between TyG index and lean NAFLD risk (χ2 = 11.5, P=0.003). The LightGBM model demonstrated high accuracy (Train AUC 0.870, Test AUC 0.766). An online tool based on our model was developed to assist clinicians in assessing lean NAFLD risk.

Conclusion

The TyG index serves as a promising noninvasive marker for lean NAFLD, with significant implications for clinical practice and public health policy.
Predicting the risk of subclinical atherosclerosis based on interpretable machine models in a Chinese T2DM population
Authors: Tusongtuoheti Ximisinuer , Shu Yimeng , Huang Guoqing , Mao Yushan
Published: February 2024

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has emerged as a global public health concern. Identifying and preventing subclinical atherosclerosis (SCAS), an early indicator of CVD, is critical for improving cardiovascular outcomes. This study aimed to construct interpretable machine learning models for predicting SCAS risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Methods

This study included 3084 T2DM individuals who received health care at Zhenhai Lianhua Hospital, Ningbo, China, from January 2018 to December 2022. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator combined with random forest-recursive feature elimination were used to screen for characteristic variables. Linear discriminant analysis, logistic regression, Naive Bayes, random forest, support vector machine, and extreme gradient boosting were employed in constructing risk prediction models for SCAS in T2DM patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was employed to assess the predictive capacity of the model through 10-fold cross-validation. Additionally, the SHapley Additive exPlanations were utilized to interpret the best-performing model.

Results

The percentage of SCAS was 38.46% (n=1186) in the study population. Fourteen variables, including age, white blood cell count, and basophil count, were identified as independent risk factors for SCAS. Nine predictors, including age, albumin, and total protein, were screened for the construction of risk prediction models. After validation, the random forest model exhibited the best clinical predictive value in the training set with an AUC of 0.729 (95% CI: 0.709-0.749), and it also demonstrated good predictive value in the internal validation set [AUC: 0.715 (95% CI: 0.688-0.742)]. The model interpretation revealed that age, albumin, total protein, total cholesterol, and serum creatinine were the top five variables contributing to the prediction model.

Conclusion

The construction of SCAS risk models based on the Chinese T2DM population contributes to its early prevention and intervention, which would reduce the incidence of adverse cardiovascular prognostic events.
Numerical simulation and application of ground stress field in ultra-deep strike-slip faults—taking the FI12 fault zone in the Fuman Oilfield as an example
Authors: Zhang Yu , Xu Ke , Zhang Hui , Lai Shujun , Liang Jingrui , Qian Ziwei
Published: February 2024

This study carried out a research on the distribution characteristics of the geostress field of ultra-deep strike-slip faults, aiming to improve the exploration efficiency and development benefits of ultra-deep fault-controlled reservoirs. This study combines multiple geological information, drilling information, seismic data, and seismic attribute analysis. Taking the FI12 fault zone in the Fengman Oilfield as an example, it carried out numerical simulation of the geostress field, clarified the distribution pattern of geostress, analyzed the effectiveness of fracture mechanics, and proposed a reservoir quality evaluation method and production increase strategy based on geostress analysis. The study includes the following three aspects: 1) research on the heterogeneity of fault-controlled fractured carbonate reservoirs: Due to the existence of faults, fractures, and pores, carbonate reservoirs exhibit strong heterogeneity. These discontinuous structures lead to local stress field decreases to varying degrees. By analyzing the changes in geostress, it is possible to infer the development of faults, fractures, and pores. This provides important basis for predicting and evaluating reservoirs. 2) research on the distribution pattern of geostress: The geostress of fractured bodies exhibits a “shell-type” distribution pattern. Inside the fractured body, the geostress values are lower, indicating that this part is a favorable reservoir body. On the outside of the fractured body, the geostress exhibits high-value concentration, and this part has relatively poor permeability and can be regarded as an unfavorable drilling target. 3) research on the relationship between fault-fracture mechanical activity and reservoir quality and production capacity: Geostress and its influence on fault-fracture mechanical activity are directly related to the quality and production capacity of fault-controlled fractured carbonate reservoirs. When deploying well locations and optimizing well trajectories, geostress factors should be fully considered, and reservoir reformation efficiency should be taken into account to promote single well production increases and reservoir economic devel.
The adsorption and desorption processes of organic working fluids R1234yf, R134a, R32 in MOF-5 and Co-MOF-74: a molecular simulation study
Authors: Chen Xinping
Published: February 2024

The combination of nanoporous materials with organic working fluids holds the promise of further enhancing the performance of refrigerants based thermodynamics cycles. In this study, the adsorption and desorption properties of several organic refrigerants, e.g., R1234yf, R134a, R32, and their mixtures in metal-organic framework materials MOF-5 and Co-MOF-74 are investigated via molecular dynamics methods. The results indicate that the adsorption capacity is inversely proportional to the temperature during the adsorption process, and the adsorption capacity of the R1234yf/R32 mixture (molar ratio 2:1) is higher than that of the corresponding pure working fluids. The desorption amount, desorption regeneration rate, and desorption heat are directly proportional to the temperature. The interactions between different molecular atoms in the mixed working fluids promote the desorption process.
Identifying favourable conditions for farm scale trafficability and grass growth using a combined Sentinel-2 and soil moisture deficit approach
Authors: Basu Rumia , Fenton Owen , Daly Eve , Tuohy Patrick
Published: February 2024

In Atlantic Europe, on poorly drained grasslands soils, compaction negatively affects soil health when trafficked in wet conditions, while optimum grass growth cannot be achieved in excessively dry conditions. In Ireland, daily soil moisture deficit (SMD) information is forecasted at regional scale for all soil drainage classes. Optimal paddock conditions can occur between trafficking (10 mm) and optimum grass growth (50 mm) SMD thresholds for an identified drainage class. The objective of this farm scale study is to improve the identification of optimum conditions in time and space by combining high resolution spatial soil moisture estimates with soil drainage class specific SMD data. For that purpose, Sentinel- 2 (S-2) data was used in a modified Optical Trapezoid Model (OPTRAM) to derive normalised surface soil moisture (nSSM) estimates at farm level. In-situ soil moisture sensors providing daily estimates of volumetric soil moisture were used for validation of OPTRAM with an RMSE of 0.05. Cumulative 7-day SMD prior to the date of each S-2 image was analysed for each year from 2017-2021 to select nSSM maps corresponding to negative, 0 or −0 and positive SMD. Results established a relationship between nSSM and SMD indicating optimal conditions changed spatially and temporally. The months of April, May, August and September always presented at least 35% of the farm area available for optimum management operations. Future refinement of this methodology utilising daily high resolution remote sensing data could provide near real-time information for farmers.
Site occupancy of select mammals in the tropical forest of Eastern Himalaya
Authors: Ahmad Arif , Gopi Govindan Veeraswami
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Terrestrial mammals play a pivotal role in tropical forest ecosystems, representing a rich and functionally diverse component of these biomes. However, they confront formidable threats globally, such as hunting, habitat loss, and fragmentation, amidst the expansion of human-altered landscapes in tropical regions. Understanding the impacts of these changes on mammal communities is crucial for designing effective conservation interventions. Northeast India's tropical forests, a biodiversity hotspot, host a diverse array of mammalian fauna. The primary challenge faced by these species involves anthropogenic activities leading to the shrinkage and fragmentation of forested habitats.

Methodology

In this study, we conducted systematic camera trapping in Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) to assess mammal status and distribution. Employing single-season occupancy models, we evaluated factors influencing mammalian species' detection probability and spatial utilization within the landscape.

Results

The study documented 27 mammalian species, with 12 identified as "threatened" on the IUCN Red List. Species like clouded leopard, marbled cat, Gongshan muntjac, red goral, Mishmi takin, and sambar were recorded but observed infrequently. Notably, we reported the Asiatic brush-tailed porcupine's first sighting in Mehao. Our findings revealed that undisturbed forest habitats were preferred by all species. Mainland serow dominated most of the sanctuary's area, followed by northern red muntjac, yellow-throated marten, and masked palm civet.

Discussion

The response of mammalian species to ecological and anthropogenic covariates varied significantly, underscoring the necessity for species-specific management strategies alongside a landscape-scale conservation approach. These outcomes emphasize the urgency of managing and safeguarding rare and elusive mammalian species within and around Mehao WLS.
Climate-driven differences in flow regimes alter tropical freshwater ecosystems with consequences for an endemic shrimp
Authors: Tingley Ralph W. , Infante Dana M. , MacKenzie Richard A. , Strauch Ayron M. , Foulk Patra B. , Roth Brian
Published: February 2024

Climate-driven shifts in the natural flow regime can threaten species persistence in stream systems, and anticipating such shifts before they occur is critical for conservation. We can explore how climate change may impact biota by examining natural systems that differ in terms of climate yet are similar in terms of other landscape features such as geology, size, and elevation. Across an established precipitation and hydrologic gradient on the east coast of Hawaii Island, we sampled stream habitat and populations of the endemic migratory mountain shrimp Atyoida bisulcata over three years and examined how habitat as well as population metrics and individual condition respond to differences in stream flow. Along the precipitation gradient, baseflow declined and streams shifted from run/riffle systems with moss cover to those with predominately pools and limited available habitat. Across years, baseflow conditions were relatively consistent within streams while measures of stream flow stability and the duration of high flows were more variable. Streams with high and persistent baseflow had greater atyid biomass density with larger individuals less prone to disease. Within-stream interannual variation in baseflow was low relative to differences across streams, and most A. bisulcata metrics also had low within-stream interannual variability, making average baseflow an appropriate surrogate for differences in suitability. However, extremes in annual rainfall may result in high variability in A. bisulcata metrics within a single stream due to seasonal drying or persistent high flows, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring to fully understand population responses to climate-mediated stream flow. Our study suggests that changes in rainfall patterns will alter stream flow and may ultimately negatively influence tropical stream organisms.
Association between missense variants of uncertain significance in the CHEK2 gene and hereditary breast cancer: a cosegregation and bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Alonso Natalia , Menao Sebastián , Lastra Rodrigo , Arruebo María , Bueso María P. , Pérez Esther , Murillo M. Laura , Álvarez María , Alonso Alba , Rebollar Soraya , Cruellas Mara , Arribas Dolores , Ramos Mónica , Isla Dolores , Galano-Frutos Juan José , García-Cebollada Helena , Sancho Javier , Andrés Raquel
Published: February 2024

Inherited mutations in the CHEK2 gene have been associated with an increased lifetime risk of developing breast cancer (BC). We aim to identify in the study population the prevalence of mutations in the CHEK2 gene in diagnosed BC patients, evaluate the phenotypic characteristics of the tumor and family history, and predict the deleteriousness of the variants of uncertain significance (VUS). A genetic study was performed, from May 2016 to April 2020, in 396 patients diagnosed with BC at the University Hospital Lozano Blesa of Zaragoza, Spain. Patients with a genetic variant in the CHEK2 gene were selected for the study. We performed a descriptive analysis of the clinical variables, a bibliographic review of the variants, and a cosegregation study when possible. Moreover, an in-depth bioinformatics analysis of CHEK2 VUS was carried out. We identified nine genetic variants in the CHEK2 gene in 10 patients (two pathogenic variants and seven VUS). This supposes a prevalence of 0.75% and 1.77%, respectively. In all cases, there was a family history of BC in first- and/or second-degree relatives. We carried out a cosegregation study in two families, being positive in one of them. The bioinformatics analyses predicted the pathogenicity of six of the VUS. In conclusion, CHEK2 mutations have been associated with an increased risk for BC. This risk is well-established for foundation variants. However, the risk assessment for other variants is unclear. The incorporation of bioinformatics analysis provided supporting evidence of the pathogenicity of VUS.
Identification and validation of CCR5 linking keloid with atopic dermatitis through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and machine learning
Authors: Zhou Bin , Zhou Nuoya , Liu Yan , Dong Enzhu , Peng Lianqi , Wang Yifei , Yang Liu , Suo Huinan , Tao Juan
Published: February 2024

There is sufficient evidence indicating that keloid is strongly associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) across ethnic groups. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the association is not fully understood. The aim of this study is to discover the underlying mechanism of the association between keloid and AD by integrating comprehensive bioinformatics techniques and machine learning methods. The gene expression profiles of keloid and AD were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A total of 449 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found to be shared in keloid and AD using the training datasets of GEO (GSE158395 and GSE121212). The hub genes were identified using the protein-protein interaction network and Cytoscape software. 20 of the most significant hub genes were selected, which were mainly involved in the regulation of the inflammatory and immune response. Through two machine learning algorithms of LASSO and SVM-RFE, CCR5 was identified as the most important key gene. Subsequently, upregulated CCR5 gene expression was confirmed in validation GEO datasets (GSE188952 and GSE32924) and clinical samples of keloid and AD. Immune infiltration analysis showed that T helper (Th) 1, 2 and 17 cells were significantly enriched in the microenvironment of both keloid and AD. Positive correlations were found between CCR5 and Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells. Finally, two TFs of CCR5, NR3C2 and YY1, were identified, both of which were downregulated in keloid and AD tissues. Our study firstly reveals that keloid and AD shared common inflammatory and immune pathways. Moreover, CCR5 plays a key role in the pathogenesis association between keloid and AD. The common pathways and key genes may shed light on further mechanism research and targeted therapy, and may provide therapeutic interventions of keloid with AD.
Extracellular vesicles and cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma – is there a link?
Authors: Tian Lu , Lu Jingyi , Ng Irene Oi-Lin
Published: February 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy, with high recurrence rates and notorious resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Cancer stemness refers to the stem-cell-like phenotype of cancer cells and has been recognized to play important roles in different aspects of hepatocarcinogenesis. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are small membranous particles secreted by cells that can transfer bioactive molecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and metabolites, to neighboring or distant cells. Recent studies have highlighted the role of sEVs in modulating different aspects of the cancer stemness properties of HCC. Furthermore, sEVs derived from diverse cellular sources, such as cancer cells, stromal cells, and immune cells, contribute to the maintenance of the cancer stemness phenotype in HCC. Through cargo transfer, specific signaling pathways are activated within the recipient cells, thus promoting the stemness properties. Additionally, sEVs can govern the secretion of growth factors from non-cancer cells to further maintain their stemness features. Clinically, plasma sEVs may hold promise as potential biomarkers for HCC diagnosis and treatment prediction. Understanding the underlying mechanisms by which sEVs promote cancer stemness in HCC is crucial, as targeting sEV-mediated communication may offer novel strategies in treatment and improve patient outcome.
Historical logic and maritime cultural foundation of China’s initiative of building a maritime community with a shared future
Authors: Zhu Xiong , Mao Zhengkai , Qu Jinliang , Zhang Zhijun
Published: February 2024

Building a “Maritime Community with a Shared Future” (MCSF) is a maritime development concept with Chinese characteristics proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2019. It is based on the rich cultural tradition and unique historical value of China’s maritime civilization. It aims to solve real ocean problems and has outlined the future direction of human ocean development from the perspective of China. The essence of the MCSF is an issue of both ocean cultural and development concepts. It is a conceptual issue that transcends specific national boundaries and regions and is based on how all of humankind, with common interests and common values, can develop in harmony with the oceans. It is not a covert discourse strategy adopted by China in order to realize its “maritime power” ambition, as occasionally described by some Western countries. Starting with an analysis of the essential nature and implications of maritime culture by Chinese researchers, this article clarifies and summarizes the interaction, exchange, and integration of Chinese maritime culture in East Asia from a historical perspective, and extracts the unique characteristics and values of Chinese maritime culture. From the perspective of human–sea interactions, the three historical stages, as well as the existing problems of transforming and upgrading human–ocean culture, are analyzed. The article also contrasts Chinese and Western maritime cultures and proposes to absorb the outstanding achievements of both Chinese and Western maritime civilizations into a common framework in order to fundamentally reverse the antagonistic human–sea relationship that has existed historically. Finally, we propose giving full play to the fundamental role of marine cultural exchange and integration and, through international cooperation on specific issues in the field of global ocean international relations, propose specific and feasible practical pathways to promoting the realization of the MCSF.
Potential marker subset of blood-circulating cytokines on hematopoietic progenitor-to-Th1 pathway in COVID-19
Authors: Takashima Yasuo , Inaba Tohru , Matsuyama Tasuku , Yoshii Kengo , Tanaka Masami , Matsumoto Kazumichi , Sudo Kazuki , Tokuda Yuichi , Omi Natsue , Nakano Masakazu , Nakaya Takaaki , Fujita Naohisa , Sotozono Chie , Sawa Teiji , Tashiro Kei , Ohta Bon
Published: February 2024

In this study, we analyzed a relatively large subset of proteins, including 109 kinds of blood-circulating cytokines, and precisely described a cytokine storm in the expression level and the range of fluctuations during hospitalization for COVID-19. Of the proteins analyzed in COVID-19, approximately 70% were detected with Bonferroni-corrected significant differences in comparison with disease severity, clinical outcome, long-term hospitalization, and disease progression and recovery. Specifically, IP-10, sTNF-R1, sTNF-R2, sCD30, sCD163, HGF, SCYB16, IL-16, MIG, SDF-1, and fractalkine were found to be major components of the COVID-19 cytokine storm. Moreover, the 11 cytokines (i.e., SDF-1, SCYB16, sCD30, IL-11, IL-18, IL-8, IFN-γ, TNF-α, sTNF-R2, M-CSF, and I-309) were associated with the infection, mortality, disease progression and recovery, and long-term hospitalization. Increased expression of these cytokines could be explained in sequential pathways from hematopoietic progenitor cell differentiation to Th1-derived hyperinflammation in COVID-19, which might also develop a novel strategy for COVID-19 therapy with recombinant interleukins and anti-chemokine drugs.
Exploring the diversity, bioactivity of endophytes, and metabolome in Synsepalum dulcificum
Authors: Liu Sisi , Hou Yage , Zheng Kaixuan , Ma Qian , Wen Meng , Shao Shicheng , Wu Shaohua
Published: February 2024

Synsepalum dulcificum exhibits high edible and medicinal value; however, there have been no reports on the exploration of its endophyte resources. Here, we conducted analyses encompassing plant metabolomics, microbial diversity, and the biological activities of endophytic metabolites in S. dulcificum. High-throughput sequencing identified 4,913 endophytic fungal amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and 1,703 endophytic bacterial ASVs from the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits of S. dulcificum. Fungi were classified into 5 phyla, 24 classes, 75 orders, 170 families, and 313 genera, while bacteria belonged to 21 phyla, 47 classes, 93 orders, 145 families, and 232 genera. Furthermore, there were significant differences in the composition and content of metabolites in different tissues of S. dulcificum. Spearman’s correlation analysis of the differential metabolites and endophytes revealed that the community composition of the endophytes correlated with plant-rich metabolites. The internal transcribed spacer sequences of 105 isolates were determined, and phylogenetic analyses revealed that these fungi were distributed into three phyla (Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mucoromycota) and 20 genera. Moreover, 16S rDNA sequencing of 46 bacteria revealed they were distributed in 16 genera in three phyla: Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes. The antimicrobial activities (filter paper method) and antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS assays) of crude extracts obtained from 68 fungal and 20 bacterial strains cultured in different media were evaluated. Additionally, the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of the fungal extracts was examined. The results showed that 88.6% of the strains exhibited antimicrobial activity, 55.7% exhibited antioxidant activity, and 85% of the fungi exhibited α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The research suggested that the endophytes of S. dulcificum are highly diverse and have the potential to produce bioactive metabolites, providing abundant species resources for developing antibiotics, antioxidants and hypoglycemic drugs.
Mechanistic and biophysical characterization of polymyxin resistance response regulator PmrA in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Ouyang Zhenlin , He Wenbo , Jiao Min , Yu Qinyue , Guo Yucheng , Refat Moath , Qin Qian , Zhang Jiaxin , Shi Qindong , Zheng Fang , Wen Yurong
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Acinetobacter baumannii PmrAB is a crucial two-component regulatory system (TCS) that plays a vital role in conferring resistance to polymyxin. PmrA, a response regulator belonging to the OmpR/PhoB family, is composed of a C-terminal DNA-binding effector domain and an N-terminal receiver domain. The receiver domain can be phosphorylated by PmrB, a transmembrane sensor histidine kinase that interacts with PmrA. Once phosphorylated, PmrA undergoes a conformational change, resulting in the formation of a symmetric dimer in the receiver domain. This conformational change facilitates the recognition of promoter DNA by the DNA-binding domain of PmrA, leading to the activation of adaptive responses.

Methods

X-ray crystallography was carried out to solve the structure of PmrA receiver domain. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and Isothermal titration calorimetry were recruited to validate the interaction between the recombinant PmrA protein and target DNA. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was employed to characterize the surface morphology of A. baumannii in both the PmrA knockout and mutation strains.

Results

The receiver domain of PmrA follows the canonical α5β5 response regulator assembly, which undergoes dimerization upon phosphorylation and activation. Beryllium trifluoride is utilized as an aspartate phosphorylation mimic in this process. Mutations involved in phosphorylation and dimerization significantly affected the expression of downstream pmrC and naxD genes. This impact resulted in an enhanced cell surface smoothness with fewer modifications, ultimately contributing to a decrease in colistin (polymyxin E) and polymyxin B resistance. Additionally, a conservative direct-repeat DNA PmrA binding sequence TTTAAGNNNNNTTTAAG was identified at the promoter region of the pmrC and naxD gene. These findings provide structural insights into the PmrA receiver domain and reveal the mechanism of polymyxin resistance, suggesting that PmrA could be a potential drug target to reverse polymyxin resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii.
Comparison of different rhythmic auditory stimuli on prefrontal cortex cortical activation during upper limb movement in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Wang Jie , Li Yingqi , Wang Yingpeng , Wang Congxiao , Qie Shuyan , Jin Zhaohui , Du Wenjun
Published: February 2024

Background

A large number of literatures show that rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) can effectively improve Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients’ gait speed, frequency and speed. Its application and curative effect on upper limb motor function is relatively few.

Objective

By studying the immediate effect of RAS with different rhythms on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) blood oxygen response during upper limb movement in PD patients, this study discusses the potential neurophysiological mechanism of RAS on upper limb movement in PD patients, which is expected to provide guidance for patients with upper limb dysfunction such as Parkinson’s disease.

Methods

In this study, 31 PD patients with upper limb static tremors were recruited to complete the nail board task on the healthy upper limb under the baseline rhythm, slow rhythm and fast rhythm provided by the therapist. At the same time, fNIRS was used to observe the blood oxygen response of PFC.

Results

There was no significant main effect onsidein all brain regions (p > 0.05), and there was no interaction between rhythm and side (p > 0.05); Except lPFC, the main effect of rhythm in other brain regions was significant (p < 0.05), and ΔHbO increased with the change of rhythm. Paired analysis showed that there were significant differences in ΔHbO between slow rhythm and baseline rhythm, between fast rhythm and baseline rhythm, and between slow rhythm and fast rhythm (p < 0.05); The ΔHbO of rPFC, lDLPFC and rDLPFC were significantly different between slow rhythm and fast rhythm (p < 0.05); there were significant differences in the ΔHbO of BA8 between slow rhythm and baseline rhythm, and between slow rhythm and fast rhythm (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

RAS may be a useful upper limb rehabilitation strategy for PD patients with upper limb dysfunction. At the same time, RAS with different rhythms also have different responses to PFC blood oxygen during upper limb movement in PD patients, so that we can design interventions for this kind of cortical mechanism. Identifying the neurophysiological mechanism of RAS on upper limb movement in PD patients may help clinicians customize rehabilitation methods for patients according to clues, so as to highly personalize upper limb training and optimize its effect.
Application of transcranial alternating current stimulation to improve eSports-related cognitive performance
Authors: Jiao Fujia , Zhuang Jie , Nitsche Michael A. , Lin Zhenggen , Ma Yuanbo , Liu Yu
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Electronic Sports (eSports) is a popular and still emerging sport. Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) and First/Third Person Shooting Games (FPS/TPS) require excellent visual attention abilities. Visual attention involves specific frontal and parietal areas, and is associated with alpha coherence. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a principally suitable tool to improve cognitive functions by modulation of regional oscillatory cortical networks that alters regional and larger network connectivity.

Methods

In this single-blinded crossover study, 27 healthy college students were recruited and exposed to 10 Hz tACS of the right frontoparietal network. Subjects conducted a Visual Spatial Attention Distraction task in three phases: T0 (pre-stimulation), T1 (during stimulation), T2 (after-stimulation), and an eSports performance task which contained three games (“Exact Aiming,” “Flick Aiming,” “Press Reaction”) before and after stimulation.

Results

The results showed performance improvements in the “Exact Aiming” task and hint for a prevention of reaction time performance decline in the “Press Reaction” task in the real, as compared to the sham stimulation group. We also found a significant decrease of reaction time in the visual spatial attention distraction task at T1 compared to T0 in the real, but not sham intervention group. However, accuracy and inverse efficiency scores (IES) did not differ between intervention groups in this task.

Discussion

These results suggest that 10 Hz tACS over the right frontal and parietal cortex might improve eSports-related skill performance in specific tasks, and also improve visual attention in healthy students during stimulation. This tACS protocol is a potential tool to modulate neurocognitive performance involving tracking targets, and might be a foundation for the development of a new concept to enhance eSports performance. This will require however proof in real life scenarios, as well optimization.
The role of immunotherapy sensitizers and novel immunotherapy modalities in the treatment of cancer
Authors: Sacchi de Camargo Correia Guilherme , Zhao Yujie , Manochakian Rami , Lou Yanyan
Published: February 2024

The importance of the immune system in the response against cancer has always been a subject of intense investigation. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors has transformed the landscape of oncologic treatments, while expanding the understanding of this disease’s pathophysiology. Consequently, many therapies are being investigated, with interventions directed at different steps and pathways of the immune response. Relevantly, immunotherapy sensitizers have arisen as approaches focused on the synergistic effects of immunotherapy combination, or the combination of immunotherapy and other treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Concomitantly, novel immunotherapy modalities are also in development. Approaches focusing from the tumor intrinsic pathways to the tumor microenvironment and ex-vivo interventions, such as CAR-T cell therapies and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes are important examples. Although many of those interventions were initially envisioned as standalone options, their combination has demonstrated promising results in early-phase in vitro studies and clinical trials. The possibility of coupling different immunotherapy modalities, as well as with other techniques, further strengthen the concept of sensitizers, allowing for deeper and more robust responses in cancer treatment. This review aims to present an overview of the concepts of these sensitizing mechanisms that are the basis for the synergistic effects of immunotherapy combination, or the combination of immunotherapy and a multitude of therapeutic strategies. Novel immunotherapy modalities are also presented, focusing on the potential of combining them with sensitizer interventions. Understanding the complexity underlying these principles may be the key for future breakthroughs and improved patient outcomes.
Deep learning-based radiomics model from pretreatment ADC to predict biochemical recurrence in advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Wang Huihui , Wang Kexin , Zhang Yaofeng , Chen Yuke , Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Xiaoying
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To develop deep-learning radiomics model for predicting biochemical recurrence (BCR) of advanced prostate cancer (PCa) based on pretreatment apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively from 131 patients diagnosed with advanced PCa, randomly divided into training (n = 93) and test (n = 38) datasets. Pre-treatment ADC images were segmented using a pre-trained artificial intelligence (AI) model to identify suspicious PCa areas. Three models were constructed, including a clinical model, a conventional radiomics model and a deep-radiomics model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC), precision-recall (PR) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess predictive performance in test dataset. The net reclassification index (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were employed to compare the performance enhancement of the deep-radiomics model in relation to the other two models.

Results

The deep-radiomics model exhibited a significantly higher area under the curve (AUC) of ROC than the other two (P = 0.033, 0.026), as well as PR curve (AUC difference 0.420, 0.432). The DCA curve demonstrated superior performance for the deep-radiomics model across all risk thresholds than the other two. Taking the clinical model as reference, the NRI and IDI was 0.508 and 0.679 for the deep-radiomics model with significant difference. Compared with the conventional radiomics model, the NRI and IDI was 0.149 and 0.164 for the deep-radiomics model without significant difference.

Conclusion

The deep-radiomics model exhibits promising potential in predicting BCR in advanced PCa, compared to both the clinical model and the conventional radiomics model.
Effect of anatomical liver resection on early postoperative recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma assessed based on a nomogram: a single-center study in China
Authors: Shi Ruizi , Wang Jianjun , Zeng Xintao , Luo Hua , Yang Xiongxin , Guo Yangjie , Yi Long , Deng Hong , Yang Pei
Published: February 2024

Introduction

We aimed to investigate risk factors for early postoperative recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and determine the effect of surgical methods on early recurrence to facilitate predicting the risk of early postoperative recurrence in such patients and the selection of appropriate treatment methods.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed clinical data concerning 428 patients with HCC who had undergone radical surgery at Mianyang Central Hospital between January 2015 and August 2022. Relevant routine preoperative auxiliary examinations and regular postoperative telephone or outpatient follow-ups were performed to identify early postoperative recurrence. Risk factors were screened, and predictive models were constructed, including patients’ preoperative ancillary tests, intra- and postoperative complications, and pathology tests in relation to early recurrence. The risk of recurrence was estimated for each patient based on a prediction model, and patients were categorized into low- and high-risk recurrence groups. The effect of anatomical liver resection (AR) on early postoperative recurrence in patients with HCC in the two groups was assessed using survival analysis.

Results

In total, 353 study patients were included. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis findings suggested that tumor diameter (≥5/<5 cm, odds ratio [OR] 2.357, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.368–4.059; P = 0.002), alpha fetoprotein (≥400/<400 ng/L, OR 2.525, 95% CI 1.334–4.780; P = 0.004), tumor number (≥2/<2, OR 2.213, 95% CI 1.147–4.270; P = 0.018), microvascular invasion (positive/negative, OR 3.230, 95% CI 1.880–5.551; P < 0.001), vascular invasion (positive/negative, OR 4.472, 95% CI 1.395–14.332; P = 0.012), and alkaline phosphatase level (>125/≤125 U/L, OR 2.202, 95% CI 1.162–4.173; P = 0.016) were risk factors for early recurrence following radical HCC surgery. Model validation and evaluation showed that the area under the curve was 0.813. Hosmer-Lemeshow test results (X2 = 1.225, P = 0.996 > 0.05), results from bootstrap self-replicated sampling of 1,000 samples, and decision curve analysis showed that the model also discriminated well, with potentially good clinical utility. Using this model, patients were stratified into low- and high-risk recurrence groups. One-year disease-free survival was compared between the two groups with different surgical approaches. Both groups benefited from AR in terms of prevention of early postoperative recurrence, with AR benefits being more pronounced and intraoperative bleeding less likely in the high-risk recurrence group.

Discussion

With appropriate surgical techniques and with tumors being realistically amenable to R0 resection, AR is a potentially useful surgical procedure for preventing early recurrence after radical surgery in patients with HCC.
Balancing work and private life: when does workplace flexibility really help? New insights into the interaction effect of working from home and job autonomy
Authors: Baum Lisa , Rau Renate
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Empirical research has reported variable and inconsistent findings regarding the relationship between working from home (WFH) and work-life balance (WLB). We propose that the inconsistency in the relationship between WFH and WLB may be due to unexplored moderators of this relationship. The work characteristic “job autonomy,” defined as the degrees of freedom in terms of time and content, is examined as one such possible moderator. We address the question of whether different types of negative spillover (strain-based and time-based spillover) from work to private life are dependent on an interaction effect between the use of WFH and job autonomy.

Method

Experienced occupational psychologists analyzed heterogeneous workplaces in an organization over a whole shift using a task-related instrument (TAG-MA: Tool for task analyses and job design in jobs with mental work requirements). The degrees of freedom in terms of content and time were assessed within this. Online questionnaires were used to measure WFH use, perceived job demands, and negative spillover from work to private life. Four moderator models were tested in a sample of 110 employees from various occupations.

Results

The results show that WFH is associated with a decrease in negative work-life spillover, especially when people have limited autonomy at work.

Discussion

The results are discussed and differentiated in more detail for the different types of spillover. The implications for health-promoting work design are derived.
Improving the predictive accuracy of efficacy evaluation using tumor orthotopic transplant and resection model
Authors: Li Xiaoxi , Luo Lingli , Qian Hui
Published: February 2024

Preclinical efficacy evaluation and tumor drug sensitivity analysis are two main applications of efficacy evaluation. Preclinical efficacy evaluation is to predict whether candidate drugs or therapies may improve patient outcomes in clinical trials. Tumor drug sensitivity analysis is an approach for the personalized evaluation and optimization of approved anti-cancer drugs and treatment regimens. Overall survival (OS) is the gold standard to evaluate the outcome of drugs or therapies in both clinical trials and clinical treatment. Many efficacy evaluation models, such as cell model, tumor cell-line transplant model, patient-derived tumor xenograft model, tumor organoid model, have been developed to assess the inhibitory effect of tested drugs or therapies on tumor growth. In fact, many treatments may also lead to malignant progression of tumors, such as chemotherapy, which can lead to metastasis. Therefore, tumor growth inhibition does not necessarily predict OS benefit. Whether it can prevent or inhibit tumor recurrence and metastasis is the key to whether drugs and therapies can improve patient outcomes. In this perspective, we summarize the current understanding of the pathological progression of tumor recurrence and metastasis, point out the shortcomings of existing tumor transplant models for simulating the clinical scenario of malignant progression of tumors, and propose five improved indicators for comprehensive efficacy evaluation to predict OS benefit using tumor orthotopic transplant and resection model. Improvement in the accuracy of efficacy evaluation will accelerate the development process of anti-cancer drugs or therapies, optimize treatment regimens to improve OS benefit, and reduce drug development and cancer treatment costs.
Dual-modal photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging: from preclinical to clinical applications
Authors: Nyayapathi Nikhila , Zheng Emily , Zhou Qifa , Doyley Marvin , Xia Jun
Published: February 2024

Photoacoustic imaging is a novel biomedical imaging modality that has emerged over the recent decades. Due to the conversion of optical energy into the acoustic wave, photoacoustic imaging offers high-resolution imaging in depth beyond the optical diffusion limit. Photoacoustic imaging is frequently used in conjunction with ultrasound as a hybrid modality. The combination enables the acquisition of both optical and acoustic contrasts of tissue, providing functional, structural, molecular, and vascular information within the same field of view. In this review, we first described the principles of various photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging techniques and then classified the dual-modal imaging systems based on their preclinical and clinical imaging applications. The advantages of dual-modal imaging were thoroughly analyzed. Finally, the review ends with a critical discussion of existing developments and a look toward the future.