bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Representations of Temporal Community Structure in Hippocampus and Precuneus Predict Inductive Reasoning Decisions
Authors: Pudhiyidath Athula , Morton Neal W. , Viveros Duran Rodrigo , Schapiro Anna C. , Momennejad Ida , Hinojosa-Rowland Demitrius M. , Molitor Robert J. , Preston Alison R.
Published: May 2022

Our understanding of the world is shaped by inferences about underlying structure. For example, at the gym, you might notice that the same people tend to arrive around the same time and infer that they are friends that work out together. Consistent with this idea, after participants are presented with a temporal sequence of objects that follows an underlying community structure, they are biased to infer that objects from the same community share the same properties. Here, we used fMRI to measure neural representations of objects after temporal community structure learning and examine how these representations support inference about object relationships. We found that community structure learning affected inferred object similarity: When asked to spatially group items based on their experience, participants tended to group together objects from the same community. Neural representations in perirhinal cortex predicted individual differences in object grouping, suggesting that high-level object representations are affected by temporal community learning. Furthermore, participants were biased to infer that objects from the same community would share the same properties. Using computational modeling of temporal learning and inference decisions, we found that inductive reasoning is influenced by both detailed knowledge of temporal statistics and abstract knowledge of the temporal communities. The fidelity of temporal community representations in hippocampus and precuneus predicted the degree to which temporal community membership biased reasoning decisions. Our results suggest that temporal knowledge is represented at multiple levels of abstraction, and that perirhinal cortex, hippocampus, and precuneus may support inference based on this knowledge.
Implicit Versus Explicit Timing—Separate or Shared Mechanisms?
Authors: Herbst Sophie K. , Obleser Jonas , van Wassenhove Virginie
Published: May 2022

Time implicitly shapes cognition, but time is also explicitly represented, for instance, in the form of durations. Parsimoniously, the brain could use the same mechanisms for implicit and explicit timing. Yet, the evidence has been equivocal, revealing both joint versus separate signatures of timing. Here, we directly compared implicit and explicit timing using magnetoencephalography, whose temporal resolution allows investigating the different stages of the timing processes. Implicit temporal predictability was induced in an auditory paradigm by a manipulation of the foreperiod. Participants received two consecutive task instructions: discriminate pitch (indirect measure of implicit timing) or duration (direct measure of explicit timing). The results show that the human brain efficiently extracts implicit temporal statistics of sensory environments, to enhance the behavioral and neural responses to auditory stimuli, but that those temporal predictions did not improve explicit timing. In both tasks, attentional orienting in time during predictive foreperiods was indexed by an increase in alpha power over visual and parietal areas. Furthermore, pretarget induced beta power in sensorimotor and parietal areas increased during implicit compared to explicit timing, in line with the suggested role for beta oscillations in temporal prediction. Interestingly, no distinct neural dynamics emerged when participants explicitly paid attention to time, compared to implicit timing. Our work thus indicates that implicit timing shapes the behavioral and sensory response in an automatic way and is reflected in oscillatory neural dynamics, whereas the translation of implicit temporal statistics to explicit durations remains somewhat inconclusive, possibly because of the more abstract nature of this task.
Age- and Episodic Memory-related Differences in Task-based Functional Connectivity in Women and Men
Authors: Subramaniapillai Sivaniya , Rajagopal Sricharana , Ankudowich Elizabeth , Pasvanis Stamatoula , Misic Bratislav , Rajah M. Natasha
Published: May 2022

Aging is associated with episodic memory decline and changes in functional brain connectivity. Understanding whether and how biological sex influences age- and memory performance-related functional connectivity has important theoretical implications for the cognitive neuroscience of memory and aging. Here, we scanned 161 healthy adults between 19 and 76 years of age in an event-related fMRI study of face–location spatial context memory. Adults were scanned while performing easy and difficult versions of the task at both encoding and retrieval. We used multivariate whole-brain partial least squares connectivity to test the hypothesis that there are sex differences in age- and episodic memory performance-related functional connectivity. We examined how individual differences in age and retrieval accuracy correlated with task-related connectivity. We then repeated this analysis after disaggregating the data by self-reported sex. We found that increased encoding and retrieval-related connectivity within the dorsal attention network (DAN), and between DAN and frontoparietal network and visual networks, were positively correlated to retrieval accuracy and negatively correlated with age in both sexes. We also observed sex differences in age- and performance-related functional connectivity: (a) Greater between-networks integration was apparent at both levels of task difficulty in women only, and (b) increased DAN–default mode network connectivity with age was observed in men and was correlated with poorer memory performance. Therefore, the neural correlates of age-related episodic memory decline differ in women and men and have important theoretical and clinical implications for the cognitive neuroscience of memory, aging, and dementia prevention.
A new name for a Scutellaria (Lamiaceae) endemic to Afghanistan
Authors: SOSEF MARC S.M. , MEERTS PIERRE
Published: May 2022

N/A
Glycyrrhizic Acid’s Effect on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Thyroid Cancer Cell SW579 via LncRNA RP11-385J1.2-Targeted miR-370-3p
Authors: Li Yanyan , Lin Dan , Chen Meng , Huang Peifeng , Liu Ying , Lin Xiaoyang
Published: May 2022

This study assesses glycyrrhizic acid’s effect on thyroid cancer cell SW579. Thyroid cancer cell lines were selected to detect RP11-385J1.2 and miR-370-3p level by QRT-PCR. Cells were treated with glycyrrhizic acid followed by measuring cell apoptosis by flow cytometry and cell
proliferation by MTT assay and protein expression by western blot. Under glycyrrhizic acid (40 μM) treatment, the proliferation of SW579 cells was weakened and apoptosis increased significantly (P < 0.05) along with reduced RP11-385J1.2 and increased miR-370-3p expression
compared to untreated (P < 0.05). miR-370-3p has a targeting relationship with RP11-385J1.2. RP11-385J1.2 overexpression significantly reduced miR-370-3p, which can reverse glycyrrhizic acid’s effect on inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis. RP11-385J1.2 overexpression
reversed the effect of glycyrrhizin on cell proliferation and apoptosis, and inhibition of miR-370-3p reversed si-RP11-385J1.2’s effect on inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis (P <0.05). In conclusion, glycyrrhizic acid targets miR-370-3p through lncRNA RP11-385J1.2
to inhibit thyroid cancer cell proliferation. It participates in the development of tumor cells, and lncRNA RP11-385J1.2 and miR-370-3p is negatively correlated, providing new experimental data and evidence for treating thyroid cancer.
MicroRNA192 Promotes Metastasis and Invasion of Breast Cancer via Targeting Tensin1 and Enhancing Cell Division Control Protein 42 Homolog (CDC42) Expression
Authors: Liu Fang-Fang , Pei Yin
Published: May 2022

We aimed to dissect the biological impacts and mechanisms of MicroRNA192 in breast cancer metastasis and invasion. Tumor tissues from patients and breast cancer cells were used to measure miR-192 level via RT-PCR. The miR-192 mimics, miR-192 inhibitor, si-Tensin1 and corresponding negative controls were transfected into cells followed by analysis of cell invasion by transwell assay and CDC42 level by western blot. Afterwards, a tumor transplantation model was established to assess the malignancy progression and migration. The human miR-192 accounted for approximately 14% of those overexpressed miRNAs. Overexpression of miR-192 promoted malignant cell invasion, while knockdown of endogenous miR-192 significantly decreased cell invasion, which suggested that miR-192 could exert a promotive factor in the invasive characteristic of breast cancer cellsin vitro. In contrast to control group, tumor metastasis was significantly provoked in the miR-192 overexpression group. miR-192 directly targeted and suppressed the expression of Tensin1. miR-192 enhanced the malignant invasiveness by regulating Cdc42 and was corrected with correlation with the survival of patients. High miR-192 level is related to the malignant invasiveness and metastatic behavior, as well as the poor prognosis of patients with breast cancer via activating Cdc42 and targeting Tensin1.
miR-568 Regulates Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) Homing into Joint Tissue in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Authors: Wu Xiaodong , Ma Jianjun
Published: May 2022

This study assessed the biological molecular mechanism of miR-568 on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) homing into joint tissue in RA. BMSCs in joint tissue of RA patients was isolated and cultured. The form of BMSCs was observed with microscope and the surface antigen was
identified with flow cytometry. The level of miRNA-568, NFATc4, SOX5 and CD17 was detected. The binding relation between SOX5 and miRNA-568 was predicted and validated with multiple kinds of bioinformatics software including Targetscan, miRWalk and miRDB. The level of miRNA-568 in group with
BMSCS homing into joint tissue was higher than normal. SOX5 level in RA patients was lower than normal adults. There was a binding relationship between miRNA-568 and SOX5. Overexpression of miR-568 significantly reduced SOX5, NFATc4 and CD17 level. In conclusion, the BMSCs homing into joint
tissue could be regulated by miRNA-568 through targeting on SOX5 so as to develop effect on retraining the inflammatory response.
The Effect of Stilbene Glycosides on the Hippocampal Neurons and N-methyl D-aspartate Receptor Subtype 2B Receptors in Alzheimer’s Disease Rats
Authors: Wang Rongyao , Zhang Chunfang , Zhang Li
Published: May 2022

Our study investigated the effect of stilbene glycosides (TSG) on hippocampal neurons and NMDAR2B receptors in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). 40 SPF-grade male rats aged 8 weeks and weighted 0.3 kg were divided into control group (DG group), model group (WG group) (stereotactic injection
of Aβ into hippocampus), low TSG group, and high TSG group followed by analysis of NR2B receptor level in hippocampus by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis. The escape period of WG group and TSG treatment group was significantly longer than DG
group (P < 0.05) with more significant improvement in TSG group than WG group (P < 0.05); NR2B positive number in WG group (140.31±2.81) was significantly lower than DG group (162.07±4.61) and TSG group (P < 0.05); WG and TSG group had a significantly
higher apoptosis rate than DG group (P < 0.05). In addition, NR2B and NR1 expression in WG group was decreased slightly (P < 0.05) with a higher clu level (P < 0.05) which was decreased after TSG treatment (P < 0.05). However, NR2B and NR1 levels showed
a significant increase trend after TSG treatment. In conclusion, TSG can effectively reduce the increase of Aβ in the hippocampus, promote NR2B expression, reduce apoptosis and improve the learning ability of rats.
The Research of Spark Memory Optimization Based on Non-Volatile Memory
Authors: He Qinlu , Dong Huiguo , Bian Genqing , Zhang Fan , Zhang Weiqi , Liu Kexin , Li Zhen
Published: May 2022

With the advent of the significant data era, more and more data information needs to be processed, bringing tremendous challenges to storage and computing. The spark amount of data is getting larger and larger, and the I/O bottleneck of computing and scheduling from the disk has increasingly
become an essential factor restricting performance. The spark came into being and proposed in-memory computing, which significantly improved the computing speed. In addition, the high rate of the memory is easy to lose without power, and the small but expensive feature is also an urgent need
to improve. The emergence of new non-volatile memory (NVM) not only brings the characteristics of non-volatile, large capacity, low latency but also brings new opportunities and challenges to the storage system. Therefore, based on the emergence of NVM and the problems to be improved in Spark
memory, this paper proposes an NVM-based Spark memory optimization method. Add NVM to the Spark memory system, build a hybrid storage structure of NVM and memory, and make the partition management for NVM storage. What’s more, add some new persistence levels and optimize RDDs and other
vital data. In the end, make the related optimization for cache and recovery.
An Unsupervised Classification Method of Multi-Polarization Synthetic Aperture Radar Imagery
Authors: Liu Hui
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a clustering method that combines a polarization scattering mechanism with the statistical properties of polarization data is proposed aiming to improve the accuracy of SAR image classification. It is based on the decomposition algorithm of Freeman-Durden scattering model
and the non-Gaussian K-Wishart distribution classifier. A modified selective and Markov random field-based adaptive ability classification algorithm can be used especially for complex geomorphological environment conditions. The experimental result shows that the correction classifier iterative
algorithm based on the Markov random field are highly useful for the uneven distribution area. It is possible that the method will contribute to reduce the computational complexity of PolSAR classification process and provide higher accuracy.
Dynamic Zoning and Collaborative Control of Autonomous Region of an Active Distribution Network Based on Synchronous Measurement Information
Authors: Zhou Jun , Zhao Jingtao , Cai Yueming , Liu Mingxiang , Zhang Shidong , Song Qipeng
Published: May 2022

With the continuous access of distributed power to the active distribution network, the voltage overrun at key load nodes is easy to occur, which will affect the safe operation of the active distribution network. Therefore, the dynamic partition and collaborative control method of autonomous
region of active distribution network based on synchronous measurement information are studied, so as to rationally dynamically partition the active distribution network, effectively coordinate the voltage control of each partition, and ensure the safe operation of distribution network. Synchronous
phasor measuring device is used to collect node voltage related information of distribution network. Based on the collected information and the eigenroots of the electrical distance matrix, the number of larger eigenroots, namely the optimal dynamic partition number, is determined. Ward distance
clustering algorithm is used to complete the dynamic partition of distribution network. After the completion of dynamic partition, for the nodes with the most serious voltage overlimit in each partition, the collaborative control of the voltage in each partition is completed according to the
eventdriven mode. The experimental results show that the proposed method can be used to dynamically partition the autonomous regions of active distribution network and ensure that the reactive power reserve margin of each region is higher than the minimum standard. This method can effectively
control the voltage of each node, and the control time is short and the active power loss is less.
Harmonic Minimization in Grid Coupled Photovoltaic Structures Using Selective Harmonic Elimination Pulse-Width Modulation in Multiple Level Series Linked Nano-Scale Double Gate Hetero-Structure MOSFET Based H Type Bridge Inverters
Authors: Bharani Prakash T. , Sankar Ganesh R.
Published: May 2022

Semiconductor Chip makers and semiconductor device designers denote that, a reliable device should have a character with high speed and low power loss in its operation, which could be done in a nano-scale regime. A nano-scale double gate hetero-structure MOSFET based multilevel inverter
is a power electronic arrangement system that generates multilevel output voltage with lower harmonic distortion and reduced power switching loss. In a grid-connected photovoltaic device, this power electronic inverter is a critical and essential component. Series coupled H-bridge multilayered
inverter is a widely satisfactory arrangement for incorporation of renewable power among three multilevel inverter topologies, which might be directly fed by photovoltaic (PV) units, wind turbines, or fuel voltaic cells with enhanced power quality due to accessibility of an individual’s
direct current sources. Furthermore, compared to traditional converters, this multilayered configuration will boost output voltage and current accuracy, resulting in lower total harmonic distortion. This concept proposes an innovative series of type H-bridge multilayered inverters arrangement
for grid-connected photovoltaic structures. The optimization algorithm, particle swarm was incorporated to estimate the switching angles after the Selective Harmonic Elimination technique was developed to remove 5th, 7th, 11th and finally 13th lower number harmonics. For the first time, a
cyclic choice method was used to keep up a constant balance of power among the different sources, in which the sources contribute equally to the output power over the course of operation. A simulation in the MATLAB/SIMULINK foundation was used to validate the integrated definition. The output
taken from an experimental arrangement was used to verify the proposed principle of eradicating lower-level harmonics. The harmonic spectrum along with output waveforms for selective harmonic eliminated pulse-width modulation (SHE-PWM) technique was then obtained.
The Compressional Beta Effect and Convective System Propagation
Authors: Ong Hing , Yang Da
Published: May 2022

The compressional beta effect (CBE) arises in a compressible atmosphere with the nontraditional Coriolis terms (NCTs), the Coriolis force from the locally horizontal part of the planetary rotation. Previous studies proposed that the CBE speeds up the eastward propagation and slows down the westward propagation of zonal vertical circulations in a dry atmosphere. Here, we examine how the CBE affects the propagation of convectively coupled tropical waves. We perform 2D (x, z), large-domain cloud-resolving simulations with and without NCTs. This model setup mimics the atmosphere along Earth’s equator, and differences between the simulations highlight the role of the CBE. We analyze precipitation, precipitable water, and surface and upper-level winds from our simulations. Gravity wave signals emerge in all fields. In the no-NCT simulation, eastward and westward gravity waves propagate at the same speed. With NCTs, eastward gravity waves propagate faster than westward gravity waves. To quantify the strength of the CBE, we then measure the difference in gravity wave speed and find that it linearly increases with the system rotation rate. This result is consistent with our theoretical prediction and suggests that the CBE can induce zonal asymmetry in propagation behaviors of convectively coupled waves.

Significance Statement

The rotation of Earth turns eastward motion upward and upward motion westward, and vice versa. This effect is called the nontraditional Coriolis effect and is omitted in most of the current atmospheric models for predicting weather and climate. Using an idealized model with cloud physics, this study suggests that the inclusion of the nontraditional Coriolis effect speeds up eastward-moving rainy systems and slows down westward-moving ones. The speed change agrees with a theory without cloud physics. This study encourages restoring the nontraditional Coriolis effect to the atmospheric models since it increases the accuracy of tropical large-scale weather prediction while the cost is low.
Metrics for Evaluating CMIP6 Representation of Daily Precipitation Probability Distributions
Authors: Martinez-Villalobos Cristian , Neelin J. David , Pendergrass Angeline G.
Published: May 2022

The performance of GCMs in simulating daily precipitation probability distributions is investigated by comparing 35 CMIP6 models against observational datasets (TRMM-3B42 and GPCP). In these observational datasets, PDFs on wet days follow a power-law range for low and moderate intensities below a characteristic precipitation cutoff scale. Beyond the cutoff scale, the probability drops much faster, hence controlling the size of extremes in a given climate. In the satellite products analyzed, PDFs have no interior peak. Contributions to the first and second moments tend to be single-peaked, implying a single dominant precipitation scale; the relationship to the cutoff scale and log-precipitation coordinate and normalization of frequency density are outlined. Key metrics investigated include the fraction of wet days, PDF power-law exponent, cutoff scale, shape of probability distributions, and number of probability peaks. The simulated power-law exponent and cutoff scale generally fall within observational bounds, although these bounds are large; GPCP systematically displays a smaller exponent and cutoff scale than TRMM-3B42. Most models simulate a more complex PDF shape than these observational datasets, with both PDFs and contributions exhibiting additional peaks in many regions. In most of these instances, one peak can be attributed to large-scale precipitation and the other to convective precipitation. Similar to previous CMIP phases, most models also rain too often and too lightly. These differences in wet-day fraction and PDF shape occur primarily over oceans and may relate to deterministic scales in precipitation parameterizations. It is argued that stochastic parameterizations may contribute to simplifying simulated distributions.
Revisiting the 2003–18 Deep Ocean Warming through Multiplatform Analysis of the Global Energy Budget
Authors: Storto Andrea , Cheng Lijing , Yang Chunxue
Published: May 2022

Recent estimates of the global warming rates suggest that approximately 9% of Earth’s excess heat has been cumulated in the deep and abyssal oceans (below 2000-m depth) during the last two decades. Such estimates assume stationary trends deducted as long-term rates. To reassess the deep ocean warming and potentially shed light on its interannual variability, we formulate the balance between Earth’s energy imbalance (EEI), the steric sea level, and the ocean heat content (OHC), at yearly time scales during the 2003–18 period, as a variational problem. The solution is achieved through variational minimization, merging observational data from top-of-atmosphere EEI, inferred from Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES), steric sea level estimates from altimetry minus gravimetry, and upper-ocean heat content estimates from in situ platforms (mostly Argo floats). Global ocean reanalyses provide background-error covariances for the OHC analysis. The analysis indicates a 2000-m–bottom warming of 0.08 ± 0.04 W m−2 for the period 2003–18, equal to 13% of the total ocean warming (0.62 ± 0.08 W m−2), slightly larger than previous estimates but consistent within the error bars. The analysis provides a fully consistent optimized solution also for the steric sea level and EEI. Moreover, the simultaneous use of the different heat budget observing networks is able to decrease the analysis uncertainty with respect to the observational one, for all observation types and especially for the 0–700-m OHC and steric sea level (more than 12% reduction). The sensitivity of the analysis to the choice of the background time series proved insignificant.

Significance Statement

Several observing networks provide complementary information about the temporal evolution of the global energy budget. Here, satellite observations of Earth’s energy imbalance (EEI) and steric sea level and in situ–derived estimates of ocean heat content anomalies are combined in a variational analysis framework, with the goal of assessing the deep ocean warming. The optimized solution accounts for the uncertainty of the different observing networks. Furthermore, it provides fully consistent analyses of global ocean heat content, steric sea level, and EEI, which show smaller uncertainty than the original observed time series. The deep ocean (below 2000-m depth) exhibits a significant warming of 0.08 ± 0.04 W m−2 for the period 2003–18, equal to the 13% of the total ocean warming.
ROR1: an orphan becomes apparent
Authors: Kipps Thomas J.
Published: May 2022

Since its initial identification in 1992 as a possible class 1 cell-surface receptor without a known parent ligand, receptor tyrosine kinase–like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) has stimulated research, which has made apparent its significance in embryonic development and cancer. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was the first malignancy found to have distinctive expression of ROR1, which can help distinguish leukemia cells from most noncancer cells. Aside from its potential utility as a diagnostic marker or target for therapy, ROR1 also factors in the pathophysiology of CLL. This review is a report of the studies that have elucidated the expression, biology, and evolving strategies for targeting ROR1 that hold promise for improving the therapy of patients with CLL or other ROR1-expressing malignancies.
Hyolithid-like hyoliths without helens from the early Cambrian of South China, and their implications for the evolution of hyoliths
Authors: Liu Fan , Skovsted Christian B. , Topper Timothy P. , Zhang Zhifei
Published: May 2022

Background

A small hyolith, with a triangular operculum and a conical-pyramidal conch with a sharp apex, originally documented as Ambrolinevitus ventricosus, is revised based on new material from the Chengjiang biota. The operculum of ‘Ambrolinevitus’ ventricosus displays strong morphological similarities with the operculum of Paramicrocornus from the Shuijingtuo Formation (Cambrian Series 2), indicating that the species should be reassigned to Paramicrocornus.

Results

Based on the unusual morphology of Paramicrocornus, we herein propose a new family Paramicrocornidae fam. nov. A cladistic analysis of Cambrian and Ordovician hyoliths clearly delineates hyolithids as a monophyletic group which evolved from the paraphyletic orthothecids in the early Cambrian and with Paramicrocornidae as its closest relative.

Conclusions

The phylogenetic analysis, together with the distribution of hyoliths from the Cambrian to the Ordovician, reveals the presumptive evolution model of both the skeleton and soft-part anatomy of hyoliths. The Family Paramicrocornidae plays an intermediate role in hyolith evolution, representing the transitional stage in the evolution from orthothecids to hyolithids.
Genome-wide detection of genetic structure and runs of homozygosity analysis in Anhui indigenous and Western commercial pig breeds using PorcineSNP80k data
Authors: Jiang Yao , Li Xiaojin , Liu Jiali , Zhang Wei , Zhou Mei , Wang Jieru , Liu Linqing , Su Shiguang , Zhao Fuping , Chen Hongquan , Wang Chonglong
Published: May 2022

Background

Runs of homozygosity (ROH) are continuous homozygous regions typically located in the DNA sequence of diploid organisms. Identifications of ROH that lead to reduced performance can provide valuable insight into the genetic architecture of complex traits. Here, we systematically investigated the population genetic structure of five Anhui indigenous pig breeds (AHIPs), and compared them to those of five Western commercial pig breeds (WECPs). Furthermore, we examined the occurrence and distribution of ROHs in the five AHIPs and estimated the inbreeding coefficients based on the ROHs (FROH) and homozygosity (FHOM). Finally, we identified genomic regions with high frequencies of ROHs and annotated candidate genes contained therein.

Results

The WECPs and AHIPs were clearly differentiated into two separate clades consistent with their geographical origins, as revealed by the population structure and principal component analysis. We identified 13,530 ROHs across all individuals, of which 4,555 and 8,975 ROHs were unique to AHIPs and WECPs, respectively. Most ROHs identified in our study were short (< 10 Mb) or medium (10–20 Mb) in length. WECPs had significantly higher numbers of short ROHs, and AHIPs generally had longer ROHs. FROH values were significantly lower in AHIPs than in WECPs, indicating that breed improvement and conservation programmes were successful in AHIPs. On average, FROH and FHOM values were highly correlated (0.952–0.991) in AHIPs and WECPs. A total of 27 regions had a high frequency of ROHs and contained 17 key candidate genes associated with economically important traits in pigs. Among these, nine candidate genes (CCNT2, EGR2, MYL3, CDH13, PROX1, FLVCR1, SETD2, FGF18, and FGF20) found in WECPs were related to muscular and skeletal development, whereas eight candidate genes (CSN1S1, SULT1E1, TJP1, ZNF366, LIPC, MCEE, STAP1, and DUSP) found in AHIPs were associated with health, reproduction, and fatness traits.

Conclusion

Our findings provide a useful reference for the selection and assortative mating of pig breeds, laying the groundwork for future research on the population genetic structures of AHIPs, ultimately helping protect these local varieties.
Immune correlates of cardiovascular co-morbidity in HIV infected participants from South India
Authors: Kausalya Bagavathi , Saravanan Shanmugam , Pallikkuth Suresh , Pahwa Rajendra , Saini Shelly Rani , Iqbal Syed , Solomon Sunil , Murugavel Kailapuri G. , Poongulali Selvamuthu , Kumarasamy Nagalingeswaran , Pahwa Savita
Published: May 2022

Background

Understanding the immune correlates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in HIV infection is an important area of investigation in the current era of aging with HIV infection. Less is known about CVD risk and HIV infection in developing nations where additional risk factors may be playing a role in the CVD development. In this study, we assessed the effects of systemic inflammation, microbial translocation (MT), T cell immune activation (IA), and nadir CD4 counts on cardiac function and arterial stiffness as markers of subclinical atherosclerosis in HIV-infected individuals.

Methods

People with HIV (PWH) who were ART naïve (n = 102) or virally suppressed on ART (n = 172) were stratified on nadir CD4 counts and compared to HIV-uninfected controls (n = 64). Determination was made of cardiac function via radial pulse wave and carotid intima thickness (C-IMT) measurements. Plasma biomarkers of inflammation and MT by ELISA or multiplex assays, and immune activation (IA) of T cells based HLA-DR and CD38 expression were investigated by flow cytometry. T-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation were used to analyze study parameters.

Results

Reduction in cardiac function with lower cardiac ejection time (p < 0.001), stroke volume (p < 0.001), cardiac output (p = 0.007), higher arterial stiffness (p < 0.05) were identified in ART-naïve participants, compared to PWH on ART (p < 0.05). No significant difference in C-IMT values were noted. Higher inflammatory and MT markers were found in the ART-naïve group compared to treated group who were comparable to uninfected participants, except for having higher TNF-α (p < 0.001) and sCD14 (p < 0.001). Immune activation of CD4 and CD8 T-cells was greater in ART-naïve participants compared to ART-treated and uninfected controls (p < 0.05). Lower nadir CD4 counts, higher inflammation, and higher MT predicted poor cardiac measures in the ART-naïve with nadir CD4 < 200cells/mm3 manifesting the highest arterial stiffness, and lowest cardiac function, whereas ART-treated, even with nadir < 200 cells/mm3 were similar to uninfected in these measures.

Conclusions

In HIV-infected individuals, initiation of ART even at nadir of < 200 cells/mm3 may prevent or reverse cardiovascular disease outcomes that are easily measurable in low income countries.
Comparison of superior and inferior vena cava diameter variation measured with transthoracic echocardiography to predict fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients after abdominal surgery
Authors: Ma Qian , Ji Jingjing , Shi Xueduo , Lu Ziyun , Xu Lu , Hao Jing , Zhu Wei , Li Bingbing
Published: May 2022

Background

The volume status of patients after major abdominal surgery constantly varies owing to postoperative diverse issues comprising fluid loss or capillary leakage secondary to systemic inflammatory reaction syndrome, et.al, the precise fluid responsiveness assessment is crucial for those patients. The purpose of this study is to validate the transthoracic ultrasonographic measurement of superior and inferior vena cava variation in predicting fluid responsiveness of mechanically ventilated patients after surgery.

Methods

A total of 70 patients undergoing the scheduled major abdominal surgeries in the anesthesia ICU ward were included. The superior vena cava (SVC) collapsibility index (SVCCI), the inferior vena cava distensibility index (dIVC), SVC variation over the cardiac cycle (SVCV), and cardiac output (CO) were measured by transthoracic ultrasonography were recorded before and after fluid challenge test of 5 ml/kg crystalloid within 15 min. The responders were defined as a 15% or more increment in CO.

Results

Thirty patients (42.9%) responded to fluid challenge, while the remnant forty patients (57.1%) did not. The areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of SVCCI, dIVC and SVCV were 0.885 (95% CI, 0.786–0.949; P < 0.0001) and 0.727 (95% CI, 0.608–0.827; P < 0.001) and 0.751 (95% CI, 0.633–0.847; P < 0.0001), respectively. AUCdIVC and AUCSVCV were significantly lower when compared with AUCSVCCI (P < 0.05). The optimal cutoff values were 19% for SVCCI, 14% for dIVC, and 15% for SVCV. The gray zone for SVCCI was 20%-25% and included 15.7% of patients, while 7%-27% for dIVC including 62.9% of patients and 9%-21% for SVCV including 50% of patients.

Conclusion

Superior vena cava-related parameters measured by transthoracic ultrasound are reliable indices to predict fluid responsiveness. The accuracy of SVCCI in mechanically ventilated patients after abdominal surgery is better than that of dIVC and SVCV.

Trial registration

ChiCTR-INR-17013093. The initial registration date was 24/10/2017.
Association of platelet-to-white blood cell ratio and platelet-to-neutrophil ratio with the risk of fatal stroke occurrence in middle-aged to older Chinese
Authors: Hu Zhi-bing , Zhong Qiong-qiong , Lu Ze-xiong , Zhu Feng
Published: May 2022

Background

White blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil (NEUT) counts, which are commonly inflammatory markers, have been related to an increased risk of fatal stroke. However, it is unclear whether platelet-to-white blood cell ratio (PWR) and platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR) are related to the risk of fatal stroke in middle-aged to older populations.

Method

In total, 27,811 participants without a stroke history at baseline were included and followed up for a mean of 14.3 years (standard deviation = 3.2), and 838 stroke deaths were recorded. The Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the relationships between the PWR and the PNR and the risk of fatal strokes.

Results

Compared to the 1st quartile, an increased risk of fatal all stroke showed among the participants in the highest quartiles of both the WBC (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–1.66) and the NEUT (aHR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.18–1.79). The restricted cubic splines showed decreased trends in associations of the PWR and the PNR with the risk of fatal all stroke. A decreased risk of fatal all stroke showed in those with the highest quartiles for both the PWR (aHR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.53–1.00) and the PNR (aHR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.54–1.01). The participants with the 2nd, the 3rd and the 4th change quartiles for the PWR and the PNR had weak decreasing trends for the risk of fatal all stroke, compared to those in the 1st change quartile, and the significant associations were observed in those with an increase of 20% for the PWR with the risk of fatal haemarragic stroke (aHR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.22–0.95) and a decrease of 20% for the PNR with the risk of fatal all stroke (aHR = 1.33, 95% CI 0.99–1.79), compared to those with stable dynamic changes.

Conclusions

Higher neutrophil count and platelet-to-neutrophil ratio were associated with a contrary risk of fatal stroke, with an increased for the former and a decreased for the later. A potentially chronic inflammation should be paid close attention to stroke occurrence in relatively healthy middle-aged to older populations.
Early mortality in a cohort of people living with HIV in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2004–2015: a persisting problem
Authors: Leite Pedro H. A. C. , Coelho Lara E. , Cardoso Sandra W. , Moreira Ronaldo I. , Veloso Valdilea G. , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Luz Paula M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Global mortality from AIDS-related diseases has been declining since 2005, resulting primarily from the widespread use and early initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy. Despite the significant improvements, high rates of early mortality, usually defined as that occurring within the 1st year of entry to care, have been observed, especially in resource-limited settings. This analysis draws upon data from an observational cohort of people with HIV (PWH) followed at a reference center for HIV/AIDS care and research in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to identify the pattern and factors associated with early mortality.

Methods

The study population includes PWH aged 18 or older followed at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases Evandro Chagas who were enrolled between 2004 and 2015. The primary outcome was early mortality, defined as deaths occurring within 1 year of inclusion in the cohort, considering two follow-up periods: 0 to 90 days (very early mortality) and 91 to 365 days (early mortality). Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify the variables associated with the hazard of very early and early mortality.

Results

Overall, 3879 participants contributed with 3616.4 person-years of follow-up. Of 220 deaths, 132 happened in the first 90 days and 88 between 91 and 365 days. Very early mortality rate ratios (MRR) show no statistically significant temporal differences between the periods 2004–2006 to 2013–2015. In contrast, for early mortality, a statistically significant decreasing trend was observed: mortality rates in the periods 2004–2006 (MR = 5.5; 95% CI 3.9–7.8) and 2007–2009 (MR = 3.9; 95% CI 2.7–5.7) were approximately four and three-fold higher when compared to 2013–2015 (MR = 1.4; 95% CI 0.7–2.7). Low CD4 count and prior AIDS-defining illness were strongly associated with higher hazard ratios of death, especially when considering very early mortality.

Conclusions

The present study shows an excess of mortality in the 1st year of follow-up with no changes in the mortality rates within 90 days among PWH from Rio de Janeiro. We note the significant impact of initiating treatment with immunosuppression, as evidenced by the increased risk of death among those with low CD4 cell count and with AIDS-defining illnesses.
Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy: a 10-year, multi-center, retrospective study in Beijing
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Wang Guoxing , Cao Zheng , Huang Wenyang , Xiao Hongli , Wei Hongtao , Lu Junli , Liu Ruixia , Yin Chenghong
Published: May 2022

Objective

Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy (APIP) is a rare and serious complication during pregnancy. It has acute onset and is difficult to diagnose and treat. The aim of the present study was to describe the etiology, clinical manifestations, and maternofetal outcomes of APIP.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 32 pregnant women who were treated at three tertiary care hospitals in Beijing, China. The correlation between the causes of APIP, severity, laboratory indices, and outcomes was analyzed.

Results

The most common causes of APIP were hypertriglyceridemia (56.2%,18/32) and gallstones (28.1%, 9/32). Hypertriglyceridemia-induced APIP was associated with a higher rate of severe acute pancreatitis (P = 0.025). Serum level of triglycerides showed a positive correlation with the severity of APIP (P = 0.039). The most frequent presentation of APIP was abdominal pain (93.7%, 30/32). There were no maternal or fetal deaths in our study. Apgar scores at 1 min, 5 min, and 10 min of the premature neonates was correlated with the severity of APIP of the mother (P = 0.022; 0.002; 0.002).

Conclusion

High level of triglycerides may serve as a useful marker of the severity of APIP. The severity of APIP was associated with higher risk of neonate asphyxia. Appropriate timing of termination of pregnancy is a key imperative for APIP patients.
Screening and management of bladder and bowel dysfunction in general pediatric outpatient clinic: a prospective observational study
Authors: Sumboonnanonda Achra , Sawangsuk Punnarat , Sungkabuth Patharawan , Muangsampao Janpen , Farhat Walid A. , Piyaphanee Nuntawan
Published: May 2022

Background

Bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) is a common disorder in children that is often associated with psychosocial and behavioral problems. Data specific to BBD in Asian children are comparatively scarce. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of BBD and the response to standard urotherapy among Thai children attending the general pediatric outpatient clinic of Siriraj Hospital – Thailand’s largest national tertiary referral center. 

Methods

Children aged 4–12 years were recruited to complete the Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score (DVSS) questionnaire to screen for BBD during 2018 to 2020. Standard urotherapy, which consists of education and behavior management, was prescribed to those with a DVSS score that suggests the presence of BBD. Enrolled children and their caregivers were followed-up at 3 and 6 months. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was completed at baseline. DVSS scores at baseline, and at 3 months and 6 months after standard urotherapy were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

A total of 1,042 children completed the DVSS during the study period, and 90 (8.6%) were deemed to have BBD. The mean age of BBD children was 6.9 ± 2.2 years, and the female to male ratio was 2.9:1. The most common symptoms were defecation frequency (80.0%), difficult defecation (80.0%), curtsying (74.4%), urgency (68.9%), infrequent voiding (43.3%), and daytime incontinence (32.2%). Forty-one BBD children completed the SDQ, and 32.5% had scores suggestive of hyperactivity problems. Among the 24 BBD patients who were followed-up after 3 and 6 months of standard urotherapy, there was a significant improvement in DVSS results (9.5 ± 3.1 at baseline vs. 6.9 ± 3.4 at 3 months vs. 4.4 ± 3.9 at 6 months; p < 0.01). Nine of 12 patients with urinary incontinence showed complete response at 6 months. The overall Bristol stool score significantly improved from 2.6 ± 0.7 at baseline to 3.2 ± 1.0 at 6 months (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

BBD is a prevalent condition among Thai children that is often associated with emotional and behavioral problems. Standard urotherapy prescribed in a general pediatric outpatient clinic setting yielded favorable outcomes in Thai children with BBD.
Insomnia disorders are associated with increased cardiometabolic disturbances and death risks from cardiovascular diseases in psychiatric patients treated with weight-gain-inducing psychotropic drugs: results from a Swiss cohort
Authors: Laaboub Nermine , Dubath Céline , Ranjbar Setareh , Sibailly Guibet , Grosu Claire , Piras Marianna , Délessert Didier , Richard-Lepouriel Hélène , Ansermot Nicolas , Crettol Severine , Vandenberghe Frederik , Grandjean Carole , Delacrétaz Aurélie , Gamma Franziska , Plessen Kerstin Jessica , von Gunten Armin , Conus Philippe , Eap Chin B.
Published: May 2022

Study objectives

Insomnia disorders as well as cardiometabolic disorders are highly prevalent in the psychiatric population compared to the general population. We aimed to investigate their association and evolution over time in a Swiss psychiatric cohort.

Methods

Data for 2861 patients (8954 observations) were obtained from two prospective cohorts (PsyMetab and PsyClin) with metabolic parameters monitored routinely during psychotropic treatment. Insomnia disorders were based on the presence of ICD-10 “F51.0" diagnosis (non-organic insomnia), the prescription of sedatives before bedtime or the discharge letter. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the International Diabetes Federation definition, while the 10-year risk of cardiovascular event or death was assessed using the Framingham Risk Score and the Systematic Coronary Risk Estimation, respectively.

Results

Insomnia disorders were observed in 30% of the cohort, who were older, predominantly female, used more psychotropic drugs carrying risk of high weight gain (olanzapine, clozapine, valproate) and were more prone to suffer from schizoaffective or bipolar disorders. Multivariate analyses showed that patients with high body mass index (OR = 2.02, 95%CI [1.51–2.72] for each ten-kg/m2 increase), central obesity (OR = 2.20, [1.63–2.96]), hypertension (OR = 1.86, [1.23–2.81]), hyperglycemia (OR = 3.70, [2.16–6.33]), high density lipoprotein hypocholesterolemia in women (OR = 1.51, [1.17–1.95]), metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.84, [1.16–2.92]) and higher 10-year risk of death from cardiovascular diseases (OR = 1.34, [1.17–1.53]) were more likely to have insomnia disorders. Time and insomnia disorders were associated with a deterioration of cardiometabolic parameters.

Conclusions

Insomnia disorders are significantly associated with metabolic worsening and risk of death from cardiovascular diseases in psychiatric patients.