bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Glycolysis-Related Gene Signature Correlates With the Characteristics of the Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Predicts Prognosis in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Jun , Zhang Yuening , Duan Jin , Huang Xiaojie , Yu Haibin , Hu Zhongjie
Published: April 2022

Aim: To develop a glycolysis-related gene signature that correlated with the characteristics of the tumor immune microenvironment and had good predictive power for overall survival (OS) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: Gene expression profiles, RNA sequencing data, clinical characteristics and survival information for 407 patients with HCC and 58 healthy controls were downloaded from the TCGA database. GSEA 4.1.0 software was used to evaluate the glycolysis-related pathways enriched in HCC compared to normal liver tissue. Univariate Cox, Least Absolute Shrinkage, Selection Operator, and two-step multivariate Cox analyses were used to construct a glycolysis-related gene signature for prognostic prediction. The glycolysis-related gene signature was combined with clinical characteristics to generate a nomogram. Tumor-infiltrating immune cell profiles and PD-L1 protein expression in HCC tissues were investigated.

Results: The gene expression profiles of HCC tissues were enriched in glycolysis-related pathways. A glycolysis-related gene signature was used to categorize patients as high-risk or low-risk, where high-risk patients had significantly worse OS. Receiver operating characteristic curves confirmed the predictive capability of the glycolysis-related gene signature for OS (AUC >0.80). There was a significant difference in M0 macrophage (p = 0.017), dendritic cell (p = 0.043), B cell (p = 0.0018), CD4 T cell (p = 0.003), Treg (p = 0.01) and mast cell (p = 0.02) content and PD-L1 protein expression (p = 0.019) between HCC tissues in patients in the high-risk and low-risk groups.

Conclusion: We established a glycolysis-related gene signature for OS in HCC that was predictive in training and test TCGA cohorts and correlated with the characteristics of the HCC tumor immune microenvironment. The glycolysis-related gene signature may guide clinical decision-making concerning patient selection for immunotherapy in HCC.
Computational Investigation of the Ordered Water System Around Microtubules: Implications for Protein Interactions
Authors: Chierici Francesco , Dogariu Aristide , Tuszynski Jack A.
Published: April 2022

The existence of an exclusion zone in which particles of a colloidal suspension in water are repelled from hydrophilic surfaces has been experimentally demonstrated in numerous studies, especially in the case of Nafion surfaces. Various explanations have been proposed for the origin of this phenomenon, which is not completely understood yet. In particular, the existence of a fourth phase of water has been proposed by G. Pollack and if this theory is proven correct, its implications on our understanding of the properties of water, especially in biological systems, would be profound and could give rise to new medical therapies. Here, a simple approach based on the linearized Poisson-Boltzmann equation is developed in order to study the repulsive forces mediated by ordered water and involving the following interacting biomolecules: 1) microtubule and a tubulin dimer, 2) two tubulin dimers and 3) a tubulin sheet and a tubulin dimer. The choice of microtubules in this study is motivated because they could be a good candidate for the generation of an exclusion zone in the cell and these models could be a starting point for detailed experimental investigations of this phenomenon.
Nested Lifecycles-Improving the Visibility of Product Lifespans in Smart Factories
Authors: West Shaun , Ebel Martin , Anderson Matthew , Stoll Oliver , Poeppelbuss Jens , Khan Muztoba
Published: April 2022

Within the smart factory environment, we have a complex system of systems composed of Industry 4.0/digital technologies and assets with varying lifespans. Different degrees of innovation maturity and different lifespans of integrated assets within the industrial internet of things (IIOT) are considered problematic and lead to different perspectives on asset lifecycles as they impact significantly on the asset lifespans. This leads to the loss of a clear end-of-life phase defined in existing Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) models. Through an integrative literature review, this study introduces the concept of nested lifecycles that takes a systems perspective to asset management, and considers subsystems with different lifespans that must be managed holistically by different actors with different perspectives. Additionally, this study provides a framework to derive strategies for lifecycle management by allowing the nested lifecycles to be clearly identified and then addressed. From the theoretical perspective, the notion of nested lifecycles provides a novel viewpoint for the asset management and PLM research community. From the managerial perspective, the proposed framework will help managers identify why and where collaboration between different actors may create difficulties due to their varying outlooks and training.
Elastin-like Polypeptides in Development of Nanomaterials for Application in the Medical Field
Authors: Lima Letícia Ferreira , Sousa Mauricio Gonçalves Da Costa , Rodrigues Gisele Regina , de Oliveira Kamila Botelho Sampaio , Pereira Ana Margarida , da Costa André , Machado Raul , Franco Octavio Luiz , Dias Simoni Campos
Published: April 2022

Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) are biopolymers formed by amino acid sequences derived from tropoelastin. These biomolecules can be soluble below critical temperatures, forming aggregates at higher temperatures, which makes them an interesting source for the design of different nanobiomaterials. These nanobiomaterials can be obtained from heterologous expression in several organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and plants. Thanks to the many advantages of ELPs, they have been used in the biomedical field to develop nanoparticles, nanofibers, and nanocomposites. These nanostructures can be used in multiple applications such as drug delivery systems, treatments of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, tissue repair, and cancer therapy. Thus, this review aims to shed some light on the main advances in elastin-like-based nanomaterials, their possible expression forms, and importance to the medical field.
Longitudinal Variations of CDC42 in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke During 3-Year Period: Correlation With CD4+ T Cells, Disease Severity, and Prognosis
Authors: Cheng Xiao , Ye Jianxin , Zhang Xiaolei , Meng Kun
Published: April 2022

Objective

Cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) modulates CD4+ T-cell differentiation, blood lipids, and neuronal apoptosis and is involved in the pathogenesis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS); however, the clinical role of CDC42 in AIS remains unanswered. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of CDC42 in a 3-year follow-up and its correlation with disease severity, T helper (Th)1/2/17 cells, and the prognosis in patients with AIS.

Methods

Blood CDC42 was detected in 143 patients with AIS at multiple time points during the 3-year follow-up period and in 70 controls at admission by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In addition, blood Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells and their secreted cytokines (interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-17A (IL-17A)) in patients with AIS were detected by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively.

Results

Compared with controls (p < 0.001), CDC42 was reduced in patients with AIS. CDC42 was negatively correlated with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (p < 0.001), whereas, in patients with AIS (all p < 0.050), it was positively associated with Th2 cells and IL-4 but negatively correlated with Th17 cells and IL-17A. CDC42 was decreased from admission to 3 days and gradually increased from 3 days to 3 years in patients with AIS (P<0.001). In a 3-year follow-up, 24 patients with AIS recurred and 8 patients died. On the 3rd day, 7th day, 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month, 1st year, 2nd year, and 3rd year, CDC42 was decreased in recurrent patients than that in non-recurrent patients (all p < 0.050). CDC42 at 7 days (p = 0.033) and 3 months (p = 0.023) was declined in reported deceased patients than in survived patients.

Conclusion

CDC42 is used as a biomarker to constantly monitor disease progression and recurrence risk of patients with AIS.
The Clinical Differences of Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury in Plateau and Plain Areas
Authors: Yang Yongxiang , Peng Yuping , He Siyi , Wu Jianping , Xie Qingyun , Ma Yuan
Published: April 2022

Objective

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability, which tends to have a worse clinical recovery if it occurs in plateau areas than in plain areas. To explore the underlying cause of this outcome preliminarily, this retrospective study was conducted to compare the clinical differences of patients with TBI in plateau and plain areas.

Methods

In this study, 32 patients with TBI in plateau areas (altitude ≥ 4,000 m) and 32 in plain areas (altitude ≤ 1,000 m) were recruited according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria from June 2020 to December 2021. The collected data and compared parameters include clinical features, head CT presentations and Marshall classifications, hematology profile, lipid profile, coagulation profile, and multiorgan (cardiac, liver, renal) function within 24 h of hospital admission, as well as the treatment method and final outcome.

Results

There were no obvious differences in demographic characteristics, including gender, age, height, and weight, between patients with TBI in plateau and plain areas (all P > 0.05). Compared to patients with TBI in plain areas, the time before hospital admission was longer, heartbeat was slower, systolic blood pressure (SBP) was lower, and hospital stays were longer in patients with TBI in plateau areas (all P < 0.05). More importantly, elevated red blood cells (RBCs) count and hemoglobin (HGB) level, enhanced coagulation function, and higher rates of multiorgan (cardiac, liver, and renal) injury were found in patients with TBI in plateau areas (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with TBI in plateau areas presented with altered clinical characteristics, enhanced coagulation function, and aggravated predisposition toward multiorgan (cardiac, liver, and renal) injury, compared to patients with TBI in plain areas. Future prospective studies are needed to further elucidate the influences of high altitude on the disease course of TBI.
Facial Palsy as Initial Symptom in Glycine Receptor Antibody Positive Progressive Encephalomyelitis With Rigidity and Myoclonus: A Case Report
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Rui , Liu Kai , Xu Yafang , Song Bo , Xu Yuming
Published: April 2022

Progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM) is a rare and disabling syndrome characterized by painful spasms, myoclonic jerks, hyperekplexia, brainstem signs, and dysautonomia, which is considered to be a severe form of stiff person spectrum disorder (SPSD) and is mostly associated with glycine receptor antibodies. The PERM has an acute or subacute course, with complex and varied initial symptoms mainly manifest as stiffness and pain. The authors present the case of a male patient admitted for intractable stiffness and paroxysmal myoclonus of the lower extremities preceded by a 5-day history of facial weakness. After admission, his symptoms deteriorated rapidly. He developed progressive generalized hypertonia and painful spasms, which quickly spread to the upper extremities, and he suffered frequent paroxysmal myoclonus. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were tested by a cell-based assay, and both were positive for glycine receptor antibodies (GlyR-Abs). The patient developed complications, such as crushed teeth, lumbar vertebral compression fractures, and psoas major muscle abscess, during rapid disease progression, although he responded well after being treated with intravenous methylprednisolone and immunoglobulin. This report of PERM, initiated as facial palsy followed by acute progression, helps to expand the clinical spectrum of this rare autoimmune disorder and raise awareness of the prevention of complications.
Multi-Hierarchical Fusion to Capture the Latent Invariance for Calibration-Free Brain-Computer Interfaces
Authors: Yang Jun , Liu Lintao , Yu Huijuan , Ma Zhengmin , Shen Tao
Published: April 2022

Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) based motor imagery (MI) has become a research hotspot for establishing a flexible communication channel for patients with apoplexy or degenerative pathologies. Accurate decoding of motor imagery electroencephalography (MI-EEG) signals, while essential for effective BCI systems, is still challenging due to the significant noise inherent in the EEG signals and the lack of informative correlation between the signals and brain activities. The application of deep learning for EEG feature representation has been rarely investigated, nevertheless bringing improvements to the performance of motor imagery classification. This paper proposes a deep learning decoding method based on multi-hierarchical representation fusion (MHRF) on MI-EEG. It consists of a concurrent framework constructed of bidirectional LSTM (Bi-LSTM) and convolutional neural network (CNN) to fully capture the contextual correlations of MI-EEG and the spectral feature. Also, the stacked sparse autoencoder (SSAE) is employed to concentrate these two domain features into a high-level representation for cross-session and subject training guidance. The experimental analysis demonstrated the efficacy and practicality of the proposed approach using a public dataset from BCI competition IV and a private one collected by our MI task. The proposed approach can serve as a robust and competitive method to improve inter-session and inter-subject transferability, adding anticipation and prospective thoughts to the practical implementation of a calibration-free BCI system.
EGCG Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis Through Downregulation of SIRT1 in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Jiang Shisheng , Huang Chaoming , Zheng Guodong , Yi Wei , Wu Bo , Tang Junyuan , Liu Xiawen , Huang Biyun , Wu Dan , Yan Tingdong , Li Mingxi , Wan Chunpeng , Cai Yi
Published: April 2022

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a frequently studied catechin in green tea, has been shown involved in the anti-proliferation and apoptosis of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of the apoptotic effects of EGCG has not been fully investigated. Recent literature emphasized the importance of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an NAD+-dependent protein deacetylase, in regulating cellular stress responses, survival, and organismal lifespan. Herein, the study showed that EGCG could significantly inhibit cell proliferation and promote apoptosis of 2 NPC (CNE-2 and 5-8F) cell lines. Moreover, it was also found that SIRT1 is down-regulated by EGCG, and the SIRT1-p53 signaling pathway participates in the effects of EGCG on CNE-2 and 5-8 F cells. Taken together, the findings of this study provided evidence that EGCG could inhibit the growth of NPC cell lines and is linked with the inhibition of the SIRT1-p53 signaling pathway, suggesting the therapeutic potential of EGCG in human NPC.
Impact of Socio-Economic Factors on Nutrition Efficiency: An Application of Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Pakravan-Charvadeh Mohammad Reza , Flora Cornelia Butler , Emrouznejad Ali
Published: April 2022

Background

Paying particular attention to sustainable food consumption in low-income households is essential for increasing human health. Due to the growing population globally, this concept will likely become more serious soon.

Methods

Following the importance of optimizing food consumption for sustainability, in this study, a novel methodology is introduced for calculating nutrient intake efficiency and determining choices of food in different locations. The impact of socio-economic factors on nutrition efficiency is assessed. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) as a well-known linear programming (LP) and a Tobit model are used to achieve the goals. Household Consumption and Expenditure Surveys (HCESs) of 30,000 rural and urban Iranian households in all provinces in 2016 are analyzed. A Nutrient Efficiency Map (NEM) of Iran was depicted by GIS software.

Results

The results showed that many townships had nutrient efficiency scores of less than 70%. Northeast townships had the lowest scores, with an efficiency score of less than 50%. Overall, townships have lower efficiency in the North (seaside cities), East (desert cities), and North East (isolated cities) when compared with other areas.

Conclusion

Therefore, it is suggestible that the government should modify the support policies and the protection packages based on social, geographical, and cultural status.
Vitamin D Reverts the Exosome-Mediated Transfer of Cancer Resistance to the mTOR Inhibitor Everolimus in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Negri Mariarosaria , Amatrudo Feliciana , Gentile Annalisa , Patalano Roberta , Montò Tatiana , de Angelis Cristina , Simeoli Chiara , Pirchio Rosa , Auriemma Renata Simona , Colao Annamaria , Pivonello Rosario , Pivonello Claudia
Published: April 2022

Several multi-kinase inhibitors were widely tested as potential first-line or second-line therapy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, acquired drug resistance limits their clinical efficacy. Exosomes are microvesicles secreted by tumor and stromal cells that participate in many biological processes, including drug resistance. The current study evaluated the capability of exosomes derived from everolimus (EVE)-resistant HCC cells in inducing drug resistance in parental human HCC cells and the effect of 1,25(OH)2Vitamin D (VitD) treatment in restoring EVE sensitivity. The internalization of exosomes from EVE-resistant (EveR) cells into parental cells conferred the transmission of aggressive phenotype by promoting the transition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal phenotype, as demonstrated by immunofluorescence, and the acquisition of EVE resistance, as demonstrated by cell proliferation and colony formation assays. Moreover, the internalization of exosomes from EveR into parental cells induced deregulation of the mTOR pathway mainly by triggering the activation of the serine/threonine protein kinase Akt, involved in the cellular survival pathway, as demonstrated by Western blot analysis. Interestingly, the treatment with VitD prevented exosome-induced EVE resistance in HCC cells, significantly inhibiting cell proliferation but also partially reducing colony and size number when combined with EVE compared with control. In conclusion, the results of the current study demonstrated that exosomes derived from EveR cells could induce EVE resistance in EVE-sensitive HCC cells and that VitD can revert the exosome-induced EVE resistance by resensitizing to EVE treatment.
CGRP Administration Into the Cerebellum Evokes Light Aversion, Tactile Hypersensitivity, and Nociceptive Squint in Mice
Authors: Wang Mengya , Duong Thomas L. , Rea Brandon J. , Waite Jayme S. , Huebner Michael W. , Flinn Harold C. , Russo Andrew F. , Sowers Levi P.
Published: April 2022

The neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a major player in migraine pathophysiology. Previous preclinical studies demonstrated that intracerebroventricular administration of CGRP caused migraine-like behaviors in mice, but the sites of action in the brain remain unidentified. The cerebellum has the most CGRP binding sites in the central nervous system and is increasingly recognized as both a sensory and motor integration center. The objective of this study was to test whether the cerebellum, particularly the medial cerebellar nuclei (MN), might be a site of CGRP action. In this study, CGRP was directly injected into the right MN of C57BL/6J mice via a cannula. A battery of tests was done to assess preclinical behaviors that are surrogates of migraine-like symptoms. CGRP caused light aversion measured as decreased time in the light zone even with dim light. The mice also spent more time resting in the dark zone, but not the light, along with decreased rearing and transitions between zones. These behaviors were similar for both sexes. Moreover, significant responses to CGRP were seen in the open field assay, von Frey test, and automated squint assay, indicating anxiety, tactile hypersensitivity, and spontaneous pain, respectively. Interestingly, CGRP injection caused significant anxiety and spontaneous pain responses only in female mice, and a more robust tactile hypersensitivity in female mice. No detectable effect of CGRP on gait was observed in either sex. These results suggest that CGRP injection in the MN causes light aversion accompanied by increased anxiety, tactile hypersensitivity, and spontaneous pain. A caveat is that we cannot exclude contributions from other cerebellar regions in addition to the MN due to diffusion of the injected peptide. These results reveal the cerebellum as a new site of CGRP actions that may contribute to migraine-like hypersensitivity.
Hydromorphone Prescription for Pain in Children—What Place in Clinical Practice?
Authors: Rodieux Frédérique , Ivanyuk Anton , Besson Marie , Desmeules Jules , Samer Caroline F.
Published: April 2022

While morphine is the gold standard treatment for severe nociceptive pain in children, hydromorphone is increasingly prescribed in this population. This review aims to assess available knowledge about hydromorphone and explore the evidence for its safe and effective prescription in children. Hydromorphone is an opioid analgesic similar to morphine structurally and in its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties but 5–7 times more potent. Pediatric pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data on hydromorphone are sorely lacking; they are non-existent in children younger than 6 months of age and for oral administration. The current data do not support any advantage of hydromorphone over morphine, both in terms of efficacy and safety in children. Morphine should remain the treatment of choice for moderate and severe nociceptive pain in children and hydromorphone should be reserved as alternative treatment. Because of the important difference in potency, all strategies should be taken to avoid inadvertent administration of hydromorphone when morphine is intended.
Case Report: Right Heart Failure Mistaken for Obesity—A Fault of Telemedicine
Authors: Sabiniewicz Anna , Lubocka Paulina , Sabiniewicz Robert
Published: April 2022

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has become an important branch of healthcare worldwide. Apart from their undeniable advantages, the virtual visits lack physical examination, which can lead to important diagnostic mistakes. We hereby present a case of a pediatric patient whose weight gain, initially attributed to a sedentary lifestyle was, in fact, due to sub-acute right heart failure in the context of a ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm. The condition was not diagnosed until the patient presented at the emergency. The boy was successfully treated with two percutaneous interventions and returned to his previous stature.
Arteriovenous Cerebral High Flow Shunts in Children: From Genotype to Phenotype
Authors: Tas Berivan , Starnoni Daniele , Smajda Stanislas , Vivanti Alexandre J. , Adamsbaum Catherine , Eyries Mélanie , Melki Judith , Tawk Marcel , Ozanne Augustin , Revencu Nicole , Soubrier Florent , Siala Selima , Vikkula Miikka , Deiva Kumaran , Saliou Guillaume
Published: April 2022

Objective

To study the genotypes and phenotypes of cerebral arteriovenous fistulas that drain or do not drain through the vein of Galen, and true vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations, in order to determine whether genotyping could help improve classification of these malformations and their management.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective review of genetic and phenotypic data in databases of four centers. All children with cerebral arteriovenous fistula or vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations aged below 18 years at onset were included. We recorded the nature of the genetic variant or absence of variant, age at onset, type of malformation, symptoms at onset (hemorrhage, neurological deficit, hydrocephalus, incidental, and heart failure), type of venous drainage and the long-term outcome.

Results

One hundred and fifteen children were included. Autosomal dominant variants were identified in 39% of patients. The most frequent variant affected was the RASA1 gene (25%) followed by EPHB4 (8%) and the HHT-associated genes (5%). HHT gene variants were only observed in pial arteriovenous fistula not draining into the vein of Galen; on the contrary, EPHB4 variants were only seen in genuine vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation. RASA1 variants were identified in all types of shunts.

Conclusions

EPHB4 variants seem specific to the vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation, RASA1 variants are associated with either pial arteriovenous fistulas or with genuine VGAM and HHT gene variants seem specific to pial arteriovenous fistulas. The genetic data helps to classify these malformations and to guide treatment toward lowest risk of post-operative cerebral ischemic-hemorrhagic complications.
Bilirubin Improves Gap Junction to Alleviate Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity by Regulating AMPK-Axl-SOCS3-Cx43 Axis
Authors: Zhang Siqi , Fan Yixin , Zheng Binbin , Wang Yu , Miao Chen , Su Yue , Li Kun , E. Yan , Wang Xueli , He Xueming , Wu Xuefeng , Xu Chenjie , Tang Yulin , Liu Wen-Tao , Kong Xiangqing , Hu Liang
Published: April 2022

Doxorubicin induces severe cardiotoxicity, accompanied by the high level of bilirubin in the blood. The conventional wisdom is that bilirubin is considered as a marker of liver damage. By contrast, here we aim to explore the potential protective effect of bilirubin on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, and investigate the mechanism for drug development. Doxorubicin was used to establish cardiotoxicity model in vitro and in vivo. The electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography and molecular biological methods were used to detect the effects of bilirubin on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Consecutive intraperitoneal injection of bilirubin for 7 days significantly attenuated doxorubicin-induced arrhythmia, prolonged survival time and reduced the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) and α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α-HBDH) in mice. Bilirubin also markedly inhibited doxorubicin-induced phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and connexin 43 (Cx43), and improved gap junction function in vitro and in vivo. In addition, bilirubin activated adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and induced suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) expression, which was abolished by Axl inhibition. Moreover, pretreatment with AMPK agonist or AMPK inhibitor could mimic or abolish the cardioprotective effect of bilirubin on H9C2 cells in vitro, respectively. Altogether, bilirubin upregulates gap junctions’ function to protect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by activating AMPK-Axl-SOCS3 signaling axis. We enrich the physiological function of bilirubin, and provide theoretical support for drug development.
REL-1017 (Esmethadone), A Novel NMDAR Blocker for the Treatment of MDD is Not Neurotoxic in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Bifari Francesco , Pappagallo Marco , Bleavins Michael , Traversa Sergio , Folli Franco , Manfredi Paolo L.
Published: April 2022

REL-1017 (esmethadone; dextromethadone; (S)-methadone) is the opioid-inactive dextro-isomer of the racemic mixture, (R, S)-methadone. REL-1017 acts as a low affinity, low potency N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) channel blocker with rapid, robust, and sustained therapeutic effects in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Systemic administration of NMDAR blockers may cause transient and reversible pathomorphological alterations in brain cortical neurons characterized by cytoplasmic vacuolization, which are called Olney’s lesions, and may also lead to irreversible neuronal necrosis. We determined whether REL-1017 administration via oral gavage for 1–4 days to Sprague-Dawley rats could produce Olney’s lesions and cortical neuronal death and microgliosis as compared with MK-801, a known neurotoxic potent NMDAR blocker. As previously reported, MK-801 produced Olney’s lesions, neuronal necrosis and cortical microgliosis, and impaired behavior and activity. In contrast, administration of REL-1017 at low (20–31.25 mg/kg in females and males), medium (40–62.5 mg/kg) or high (80–110 mg/kg) doses did not cause pathomorphological changes in brain neurons and did not cause impaired behavior and activity. In conclusion, REL-1017 did not produce initial or cumulative neurotoxic effects or other evidence of damage to cortical neurons, further encouraging the development of REL-1017 as a potentially safe novel candidate for rapid treatment of MDD.
Representing Normal and Abnormal Physiology as Routes of Flow in ApiNATOMY
Authors: de Bono Bernard , Gillespie Tom , Surles-Zeigler Monique C. , Kokash Natallia , Grethe Jeff S. , Martone Maryann
Published: April 2022

We present (i) the ApiNATOMY workflow to build knowledge models of biological connectivity, as well as (ii) the ApiNATOMY TOO map, a topological scaffold to organize and visually inspect these connectivity models in the context of a canonical architecture of body compartments. In this work, we outline the implementation of ApiNATOMY’s knowledge representation in the context of a large-scale effort, SPARC, to map the autonomic nervous system. Within SPARC, the ApiNATOMY modeling effort has generated the SCKAN knowledge graph that combines connectivity models and TOO map. This knowledge graph models flow routes for a number of normal and disease scenarios in physiology. Calculations over SCKAN to infer routes are being leveraged to classify, navigate and search for semantically-linked metadata of multimodal experimental datasets for a number of cross-scale, cross-disciplinary projects.
Leaf and Stem-Based Dew Detection Algorithm via Multi-Convolutional Edge Detection Networks
Authors: Lv Meibo , Zhou Pengyao , Yu Tong , Wang Wuwei , Zhou Daming
Published: April 2022

During the process of drought and rehydration, dew can promote the rapid activation of photosynthetic activity and delay the wilting time of plant leaves and stems. It is clear that the amount of dew will affect the growth of plants. However, limited research is being done to detect and measure the amount of dew. Therefore, in this study, a statistical method for measuring the amount of dew based on computer vision processing was developed. In our framework, dewdrops can be accurately measured by isolating the background area based on color features and detecting the edge and statistical area. In this scheme, the multi-convolutional edge detection networks based on contour search loss function are proposed as the main implementation algorithm of edge detection. Through color feature background region segmentation and the proposed edge detection networks, our algorithm can detect dew in complex plant backgrounds. Experimental results showed that the proposed method gains a favorable detection accuracy compared with other edge detection methods. Moreover, we achieved the best Optimal Image Scale (OIS) and Optimal Dataset Scale (ODS) when testing with different pixel values, which illustrate the robustness of our method in dew detection.
Fine-Mapping and Functional Analyses of a Candidate Gene Controlling Isoflavone Content in Soybeans Seed
Authors: Li Ruiqiong , Zou Jianan , Sun Dongming , Jing Yan , Wu Depeng , Lian Ming , Teng Weili , Zhan Yuhang , Li Wenbin , Zhao Xue , Han Yingpeng
Published: April 2022

Isoflavones, one of the most important secondary metabolites produced by soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), are important for a variety of biological processes, and are beneficial for human health. To identify genetic loci underlying soybean isoflavone content, a mapping population containing 119 F5:18 recombinant inbred lines, derived by crossing soybean cultivar “Zhongdou27” with “Dongong8004,” was used. We identified 15 QTLs associated with isoflavone contents. A novel loci, qISO19-1, was mapped onto soybean chromosome 19 and was fine-mapped to a 62.8 kb region using a BC2F2 population. We considered GmMT1 as a candidate gene for the qISO19-1 locus due to the significant positive correlation recovered between its expression level and isoflavone content in the seeds of 43 soybean germplasms. Overexpression of GmMT1 in Arabidopsis and soybean cultivars increased isoflavone contents. Transgenic soybeans overexpressing GmMT1 also exhibited improved resistance to pathogenic infection, while transgenic Arabidopsis resisted salt and drought stress.
A High-Quality Haplotype-Resolved Genome of Common Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) Provides Insights Into Polyploid Genome Stability and Prostrate Growth
Authors: Zhang Bing , Chen Si , Liu Jianxiu , Yan Yong-Bin , Chen Jingbo , Li Dandan , Liu Jin-Yuan
Published: April 2022

Common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) is an important perennial warm-season turfgrass species with great economic value. However, the reference genome is still deficient in C. dactylon, which severely impedes basic studies and breeding studies. In this study, a high-quality haplotype-resolved genome of C. dactylon cultivar Yangjiang was successfully assembled using a combination of multiple sequencing strategies. The assembled genome is approximately 1.01 Gb in size and is comprised of 36 pseudo chromosomes belonging to four haplotypes. In total, 76,879 protein-coding genes and 529,092 repeat sequences were annotated in the assembled genome. Evolution analysis indicated that C. dactylon underwent two rounds of whole-genome duplication events, whereas syntenic and transcriptome analysis revealed that global subgenome dominance was absent among the four haplotypes. Genome-wide gene family analyses further indicated that homologous recombination-regulating genes and tiller-angle-regulating genes all showed an adaptive evolution in C. dactylon, providing insights into genome-scale regulation of polyploid genome stability and prostrate growth. These results not only facilitate a better understanding of the complex genome composition and unique plant architectural characteristics of common bermudagrass, but also offer a valuable resource for comparative genome analyses of turfgrasses and other plant species.
An Open Platform for Global Engineering Initiatives: International Knowledge Centre for Engineering Sciences and Technology Under the Auspices of UNESCO
Authors: Chen Zuoning , Liu Chang , Ma Yingchen , Zhang Ye , Fang Ying
Published: April 2022

Open science provides a bright light for global engineering and technology cooperation and promoting global sustainable development. The International Knowledge Centre for Engineering Sciences and Technology (IKCEST), a category II center under the auspices of UNESCO based in Beijing, aims at providing knowledge-based services at a global scale for policy-makers and engineering science and technology professionals in the world, with particular reference to the developing countries. IKCEST has established a platform with data resources and knowledge services at the core, which includes one general platform and several sub-platforms in its prioritized areas such as the disaster risk reduction (DRR), the intelligent city (ICITY), the engineering education (ENGEDU) and the silk road sciences and technology (SRST). Since the platform was put into operation, it has launched 38 knowledge applications (APPs), serving 3.26 million users from 220 countries and regions worldwide, and offered training for more than 18,000 persons from developing countries. In face of the pandemic, IKCEST set up a COVID-19 column which received positive feedback from users across the globe, the introductory video of which was publicized on the UNESCO official website. As a knowledge hub supporting global sustainable development goals (SDGs) and an open platform for global engineering initiatives, IKCEST will spare no efforts to make greater contributions to providing more tailored and valuable knowledge-based services for global users.
What Can Deep Neural Networks Teach Us About Embodied Bounded Rationality
Authors: Lee Edward A.
Published: April 2022

“Rationality” in Simon's “bounded rationality” is the principle that humans make decisions on the basis of step-by-step (algorithmic) reasoning using systematic rules of logic to maximize utility. “Bounded rationality” is the observation that the ability of a human brain to handle algorithmic complexity and large quantities of data is limited. Bounded rationality, in other words, treats a decision maker as a machine carrying out computations with limited resources. Under the principle of embodied cognition, a cognitive mind is aninteractivemachine. Turing-Church computations are not interactive, and interactive machines can accomplish things that no Turing-Church computation can accomplish. Hence, if “rationality” is computation, and “bounded rationality” is computation with limited complexity, then “embodied bounded rationality” is both more limited than computation and more powerful. By embracing interaction, embodied bounded rationality can accomplish things that Turing-Church computation alone cannot. Deep neural networks, which have led to a revolution in artificial intelligence, are both interactive and not fundamentally algorithmic. Hence, their ability to mimic some cognitive capabilities far better than prior algorithmic techniques based on symbol manipulation provides empirical evidence for the principle of embodied bounded rationality.
The Relationship Between Ego Depletion and Prosocial Behavior of College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Social Self-Efficacy and Personal Belief in a Just World
Authors: Li Lu , Liu Hairong , Wang Guoping , Chen Yun , Huang Long
Published: April 2022

In the context of the COVID-19, we examined the relationship between college students’ ego depletion and their prosocial behavior. We explored the mediating role of social self-efficacy between ego depletion and prosocial behavior, we also examined the moderating role of personal belief in a just world in this relationship. 1,122 college students completed the ego depletion questionnaire, prosocial behavior questionnaire, social self-efficacy questionnaire, and personal belief in a just world questionnaire. The current findings suggested that: (1) Social self-efficacy mediated the relationship between college students’ ego depletion and their prosocial behaviors. The ego depletion of college students could be used to predict their prosocial behavior through social self-efficacy. (2) Personal belief in a just world moderated the relationship between social self-efficacy and prosocial behavior.
Conceptual Integration and Empirical Validation of a Unified Taxonomy: Quantitative Data Analysis for Virtual Learning Environments
Authors: Moreno-Barahona Melanie , Fraijo-Sing Blanca , Fleury-Bahi Ghozlane , Navarro-Carrascal Oscar , Tapia-Fonllem Cesar
Published: April 2022

Specific classes of cyberspaces emphasize different types of digital transactions given the user’s context, thus making it essential to take into account what these environments can afford. In this way, we can portray the niches of technological use as ecologies of particular possibilities and compare how they differ between distinct spheres of human life. The present research is focused on describing the conceptual integration of a taxonomic crossover between Virtual Learning Environments and Educational Affordances of Technology, while also performing empirical testing and determining the psychometric properties in a scale regarding the aforementioned taxonomy. The study sample consisted of 320 students in the departments of foreign languages from three different universities in Sonora (northwestern region of Mexico). Students were given a questionnaire of 21 items organized into four subscales with a Likert-type response option to measure the notions concerning their usage of Virtual Learning Environments. Internal consistency procedures and confirmatory factor analysis by means of Cronbach’s alpha and Structural modeling support the derived factorial structure, which contains Cyber-Communications, Virtual Behavior Settings, Virtual Communities, and Availability and Access to Connectivity. This structure traces the environmental properties perceived by learners in a virtual environment. Results sustain the initial conceptual construction regarding the proposed taxonomy, conclude that the ‘Virtual Learning Environments Questionnaire’ demonstrates adequate psychometric properties, and validate it as a fitting measure to assess the perceived psychological experience of students in a digital educational setting.
Increased Gray Matter Volume Induced by Chinese Language Acquisition in Adult Alphabetic Language Speakers
Authors: Tu Liu , Zhou Fangyuan , Omata Kei , Li Wendi , Huang Ruiwang , Gao Wei , Zhu Zhenzhen , Li Yanyan , Liu Chang , Mao Mengying , Zhang Shuyu , Hanakawa Takashi
Published: April 2022

It is interesting to explore the effects of second language (L2) acquisition on anatomical change in brain at different stages for the neural structural adaptations are dynamic. Short-term Chinese training effects on brain anatomical structures in alphabetic language speakers have been already studied. However, little is known about the adaptations of the gray matter induced by acquiring Chinese language for a relatively long learning period in adult alphabetic language speakers. To explore this issue, we recruited 38 Indian overseas students in China as our subjects. The learned group included 17 participants who had learned Mandarin Chinese for an average of 3.24 years and achieved intermediate Chinese language proficiency. The control group included 21 subjects who had no knowledge about Chinese. None of the participants had any experience in learning logographic and tonal language before Chinese learning. We found that (1) the learned group had significantly greater gray matter volume (GMV) in the left lingual gyrus (LG) compared with the control group; (2) the Chinese characters’ reading accuracy was significantly and positively correlated to the GMV in the left LG and fusiform gyrus (FG) across the two groups; and (3) in the learned group, the duration of Chinese learning was significantly and positively correlated with the GMV in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) after correction for multiple comparisons with small volume corrections. Our structural imaging findings are in line with the functional imaging studies reporting increased brain activation induced by Chinese acquisition in alphabetic language speakers. The regional gray matter changes reflected the additional requirements imposed by the more difficult processing of Chinese characters and tones. The present study also show that the biological bases of the adaptations induced by a relatively long period of Chinese learning were limited in the common areas for first and foreign language processing.
Capturing the Formation and Regulation of Emotions in Collaborative Learning: The FRECL Coding Procedure
Authors: Lobczowski Nikki G.
Published: April 2022

Despite recent increases in research on emotions and regulation in collaborative learning, measuring both constructs remains challenging and often lacks structure. Researchers need a systematic method to measure both the formation of emotions and subsequent regulation in collaborative learning environments. Drawing from the Formation and Regulation of Emotions in Collaborative Learning (FRECL) model, I introduce a new observational coding procedure that provides comprehensive guidelines for coding these phenomena. The FRECL coding procedure has been implemented successfully in other studies and is described here in detail. Specifically, I detail the ideal situations for using the procedure, discuss background information and present a codebook and empirical examples for each stage of the FRECL model, and provide additional considerations that allow researchers flexibility based on their own experiences and preferences. This procedure extends past research by providing an accessible observational protocol that is both systematic and comprehensive. The FRECL coding procedure can benefit future research by providing more organized consistency to the measurement of collaborative emotions and regulation.
When Do Team Members Share the Lead? A Social Network Analysis
Authors: Tillmann Sebastian , Huettermann Hendrik , Sparr Jennifer L. , Boerner Sabine
Published: April 2022

Shared leadership is not only about individual team members engaging in leadership, but also about team members adopting the complementary follower role. However, the question of what enables team members to fill in each of these roles and the corresponding influence of formal leaders have remained largely unexplored. Using a social network perspective allows us to predict both leadership and followership ties between team members based on considerations of implicit leadership and followership theories. From this social information processing perspective, we identify individual team members’ political skill and the formal leaders’ empowering leadership as important qualities that facilitate the adoption of each the leader and the follower role. Results from a social network analysis in a R&D department with 305 realized leadership ties support most of our hypotheses.
Radical Acceptance of Reality: Putting DBT®-A Skill Groups Online During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Bock Mercedes M. , Graf Theres , Woeber Verena , Kothgassner Oswald D. , Buerger Arne , Plener Paul L.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Emotion dysregulation is a common challenge pertaining to numerous psychiatric disorders in adolescence and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT®-A) has been shown to be an effective treatment, especially in the reduction of self-harm and suicidality. Measures in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic set strict limits on physical contacts with patients. In order to continuously provide evidence-based specialized care to patients suffering from emotion dysregulation, we offered two online DBT®-A skill groups in a video-group-call format.

Objective

We aimed at assessing our online DBT®-A skills groups, collect according up- and downsides, and form a basis for advancement of this form of treatment provision. Also, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients was assessed.

Methods

A physical DBT®-A skill group was switched to a video-group-call format and a second group was initiated de novo online. After five sessions, patients engaged in structured group discussions to reflect experiences. Discussion content was analyzed via Inductive Category Formation within the Framework of Qualitative Content Analysis.

Results

Patients unanimously found the COVID-19 pandemic challenging, but also reported differentially on its impact. Downsides were balanced by subjective “gains” in time and a perceived reduction in stress. Technical problems of the online format were discussed, but did not limit the positive experience of still receiving treatment. Patients of both online DBT®-A skill groups valued the offer, felt connected, and reported benefits from the treatment. The transition group additionally discussed changes in structure and content of the group sessions after the switch to online meetings and reflected differential functions of the group.

Discussion

Although the sample size is small, and conclusions are drawn from Inductive Qualitative Content Analysis, the presented results are of interest. In our investigation, video-group-calls were both safe and beneficial for patients. This alternative to physical meetings is not only interesting for further waves of the current pandemic but also for service provision in remote areas with limited access to specialized care. Further research is needed to challenge and refine our results and to explore extensions to “basic” video-group-calls, such as “break-out sessions,” blended therapy, or real-time supervision within an online session.