bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide identification of Brassicaceae histone modification genes and their responses to abiotic stresses in allotetraploid rapeseed
Authors: Hu Lin-Lin , Zheng Li-Wei , Zhu Xin-Lei , Ma Sheng-Jie , Zhang Kai-Yan , Hua Ying-Peng , Huang Jin-Yong
Published: May 2023

Background

Histone modification is an important epigenetic regulatory mechanism and essential for stress adaptation in plants. However, systematic analysis of histone modification genes (HMs) in Brassicaceae species is lacking, and their roles in response to abiotic stress have not yet been identified.

Results

In this study, we identified 102 AtHMs, 280 BnaHMs, 251 BcHMs, 251 BjHMs, 144 BnHMs, 155 BoHMs, 137 BrHMs, 122 CrHMs, and 356 CsHMs in nine Brassicaceae species, respectively. Their chromosomal locations, protein/gene structures, phylogenetic trees, and syntenies were determined. Specific domains were identified in several Brassicaceae HMs, indicating an association with diverse functions. Syntenic analysis showed that the expansion of Brassicaceae HMs may be due to segmental and whole-genome duplications. Nine key BnaHMs in allotetraploid rapeseed may be responsible for ammonium, salt, boron, cadmium, nitrate, and potassium stress based on co-expression network analysis. According to weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), 12 BnaHMs were associated with stress adaptation. Among the above genes, BnaPRMT11 simultaneously responded to four different stresses based on differential expression analysis, while BnaSDG46, BnaHDT10, and BnaHDA1 participated in five stresses. BnaSDG46 was also involved in four different stresses based on WGCNA, while BnaSDG10 and BnaJMJ58 were differentially expressed in response to six different stresses. In summary, six candidate genes for stress resistance (BnaPRMT11, BnaSDG46, BnaSDG10, BnaJMJ58, BnaHDT10, and BnaHDA1) were identified.

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings help clarify the biological roles of Brassicaceae HMs. The identified candidate genes provide an important reference for the potential development of stress-tolerant oilseed plants.
A positive feedback loop between ID3 and PPARγ via DNA damage repair regulates the efficacy of radiotherapy for rectal cancer
Authors: Huang Chuanzhong , Wang Ling , Chen Huijing , Fu Wankai , Shao Lingdong , Zhou Dongmei , Wu Junxin , Ye Yunbin
Published: May 2023

Objective

To study the effect of inhibitor of differentiation 3 (ID3) on radiotherapy in patients with rectal cancer and to explore its primary mechanism.

Methods

Cell proliferation and clonogenic assays were used to study the relationship between ID3 and radiosensitivity. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence were performed to analyze the possible mechanism of ID3 in the radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer. At the same time, a xenograft tumor model of HCT116 cells in nude mice was established to study the effect of irradiation on the tumorigenesis of ID3 knockdown colorectal cancer cells in vivo. Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze the relationship between ID3 expression and the efficacy of radiotherapy in 46 patients with rectal cancer.

Results

Proliferation and clonogenic assays revealed that the radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells decreased with ID3 depletion through p53–independent pathway. With the decrease in ID3 expression, MDC1 was downregulated. Furthermore, the expression of ID3, MDC1, and γH2AX increased and formed foci after irradiation. ID3 interacted with PPARγ and form a positive feedback loop to enhance the effect of ID3 on the radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer. Irradiation tests in nude mice also confirmed that HCT116 cells with ID3 knockdown were more affected by irradiation. Immunohistochemical study showed that rectal cancer patients with low expression of ID3 had better radiotherapy efficacy.

Conclusions

ID3 and PPARγ influence the radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells by interacting with MDC1 to form a positive feedback loop that promotes DNA damage repair. Patients with low expression of ID3 who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy can obtain a better curative effect.
Effect of elevated irrigation bottle height during cataract surgery on corneal endothelial cells in porcine eyes
Authors: Wenzel Daniel A. , Schultheiss Constanze , Druchkiv Vasyl , Hellwinkel Olaf J. C. , Spitzer Martin S. , Schultheiss Maximilian , Casagrande Maria , Steinhorst Nils Alexander
Published: May 2023

Background

Cataract surgery induces corneal endothelial cell loss (ECL). This study investigates the relationship between bottle height (BH) and ECL induced due to irrigation and aspiration (I/A) in cataract surgery and quantifies protective effects of intraoperatively used ophthalmic viscoelastic substances.

Methods

Intermittent I/A without phacoemulsification was performed in porcine eyes for 10 min with varying BHs of 100 cm (BH100), 125 cm (BH125), 150 cm (BH150) or no treatment (control, no I/A). Additionally, in one group a dispersive ophthalmic viscoelastic substance was injected into the anterior eye chamber before treatment with I/A at a BH of 150 cm (BH150 + V). After exposure of the corneal endothelium to I/A, the corneas were prepared to split corneal buttons on day 0 and cultivated for 15 days. Endothelial cell density (ECD) was analyzed blinded on days 1, 8 and 15.

Results

Relative ECL significantly correlated with irrigation BH (control (n = 13): -9.69 ± 6.03% (average ± standard deviation); BH100 (n = 12): -9.69 ± 4.81%—p = 1.000; BH125 (n = 14): -19.44 ± 7.30% – p < 0.001; BH150 (n = 13): -21.99 ± 6.70%—p < 0.001). I/A-induced ECL was significantly decreased by the injection of ophthalmic viscoelastic, as BH150 + V (n = 14; -10.92 ± 4.09%—p = 1.000) showed a cell loss comparable to the control group.

Conclusions

ECL is altered by I/A BH and reduced when viscoelastic substances are used.
Socioeconomic and risk-related drivers of compliance with measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection: evidence from the Munich-based KoCo19 study
Authors: Pedron Sara , Laxy Michael , Radon Katja , Le Gleut Ronan , Castelletti Noemi , Noller Jessica Michelle Guggenbüehl , Diefenbach Maximilian Nikolaus , Hölscher Michael , Leidl Reiner , Schwettmann Lars ,   the KoCo19 collaboration group, Forster Felix , Bakuli Abhishek , Eckstein Judith , Froeschl Günter , Geisenberger Otto , Geldmacher Christof , Heiber Arlett , Hoffmann Larissa , Huber Kristina , Metaxa Dafni , Pletschette Michel , Rothe Camilla , Schunk Mirjam , Wallrauch Claudia , Zimmer Thorbjörn , Pritsch Michael , Wieser Andreas , Olbrich Laura , Thiel Verena , Riess Friedrich , Kroidl Inge , Saathoff Elmar , Prückner Stephan , Zeggini Eleftheria , Fuchs Christiane , Hasenauer Jan , Theis Fabian
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Although a growing share of the population in many countries has been vaccinated against the SARS-CoV-2 virus to different degrees, social distancing and hygienic non-pharmaceutical interventions still play a substantial role in containing the pandemic. The goal of this study was to investigate which factors are correlated with a higher compliance with these regulations in the context of a cohort study in the city of Munich, southern Germany, during the summer of 2020, i.e. after the first lockdown phase.

Methods

Using self-reported compliance with six regulations and personal hygiene rules (washing hands, avoiding touching face, wearing a mask, keeping distance, avoiding social gatherings, avoiding public spaces) we extracted two compliance factor scores, namelycompliance with personal hygiene measuresandcompliance with social distancing regulations. Using linear and logistic regressions, we estimated the correlation of several socio-demographic and risk perception variables with both compliance scores.

Results

Risk aversion proved to be a consistent and significant driver of compliance across all compliance behaviors. Furthermore, being female, being retired and having a migration background were positively associated with compliance with personal hygiene regulations, whereas older age was related with a higher compliance with social distancing regulations. Generally, socioeconomic characteristics were not related with compliance, except for education, which was negatively related with compliance with personal hygiene measures.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that for a targeted approach to improve compliance with measures to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, special attention should be given to younger, male and risk-prone individuals.
Comparisons of in-hospital complications between total hip arthroplasty and hip resurfacing arthroplasty
Authors: Huang Yuanyuan , Yang Qinfeng , Wang Ziqi , Pan Zhijie , Zhang Yang , Shi Zhanjun , Yang Sheng
Published: May 2023

Background

Hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) is a less common but effective alternative method to total hip arthroplasty (THA) for hip reconstruction. In this study, we investigated the incidences of in-hospital complications between patients who had been subjected to THA and HRA.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample data that had been recorded from 2005 to 2014 was used in this study. Based on the International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, patients who underwent THA or HRA were included. Data on demographics, preoperative comorbidities, length of hospital stay, total charges, and in-hospital mortality and complications were compared. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether different surgical options are independent risk factors for postoperative complications.

Results

A total of 537,506 THAs and 9,744 HRAs were obtained from the NIS database. Patients who had been subjected to HRA exhibited less preoperative comorbidity rates, shorter length of stay and extra hospital charges. Moreover, HRA was associated with more in-hospital prosthesis loosening. Notably, patients who underwent HRA were younger and presented less preoperative comorbidities but did not show lower incidences in most complications.

Conclusions

The popularity of HRA gradually reduced from the year 2005 to 2014. Patients who underwent HRA were more likely to be younger, male, have less comorbidities and spend more money on medical costs. The risk of in-hospital prosthesis loosening after HRA was higher. The HRA-associated advantages with regards to most in-hospital complications were not markedly different from those of THA. In-hospital complications of HRA deserve more attention from surgeons.
Chemotherapy-induced weight gain in early-stage breast cancer: a prospective matched cohort study reveals associations with inflammation and gut dysbiosis
Authors: Walker John , Joy Anil Abraham , Vos Larissa J. , Stenson Trevor H. , Mackey John R. , Jovel Juan , Kao Dina , Madsen Karen L. , Wong Gane Ka-Shu
Published: May 2023

Background

Early-stage breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy risk the development of metabolic disease and weight gain, which can result in increased morbidity and reduced quality of life in survivorship. We aimed to analyze changes within the gastrointestinal microbiome of early-stage breast cancer patients treated with and without chemotherapy to investigate a potential relationship between dysbiosis, a systemic inflammatory response, and resultant anthropomorphic changes.

Methods

We undertook an a priori analysis of serially collected stool and plasma samples from 40 patients with early-stage breast cancer who underwent adjuvant endocrine therapy only, adjuvant chemotherapy only, or both. Gut microbiota were assessed by metagenomic comparison of stool samples following deep sequencing. Inflammatory biomarkers were evaluated by proteomic analysis of plasma and measurement of fecal calprotectin. Body composition was investigated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to determine biomass indices.

Results

As opposed to treatment with endocrine therapy only, chemotherapy resulted in statistically and clinically significant weight gain and an increase in the android to gynoid ratio of fat distribution. Patients treated with chemotherapy gained an average of 0.15% total mass per month, as opposed to a significantly different loss of 0.19% in those patients who received endocrine-only therapy. Concurrently, a twofold increase in fecal calprotectin occurred after chemotherapy that is indicative of interferon-dependent inflammation and evidence of colonic inflammation. These anthropomorphic and inflammatory changes occurred in concert with a chemotherapy-dependent effect on the gut microbiome as evidenced by a reduction in both the abundance and variety of microbial species.

Conclusions

We confirm the association of chemotherapy treatment with weight gain and potential deleterious anthropometric changes and suggest that alterations of bacterial flora may contribute to these phenomena through the induction of systemic inflammation. Consequently, the gut microbiome may be a future target for intervention in preventing chemotherapy-dependent anthropometric changes.
Association of main meal frequency and skipping with metabolic syndrome in Korean adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Park Haeun , Shin Dayeon , Lee Kyung Won
Published: May 2023

Background

Reduced meal frequency can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, limited studies have examined the association between meal frequency and skipping meals with MetS. This study aims to analyze the association between main meal frequency and meal skipping with MetS in Korean adults aged ≥ 19 years.

Methods

In this study, we included data from 22,699 Korean adult participants from the 2016–2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). The 24-h dietary recall method was used to classify the participants into three groups based on main meal frequency (one, two, or three meals per day) and seven groups based on the type of main meal they skipped. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the association between main meal frequency and the types of main meals skipped with the odds of MetS and its associated components. Appropriate estimates were accounted for using sampling weights, stratification, and clustering.

Results

The prevalence of MetS in the study population was 33.8%. The average age of the participants was 47.2 years with 42.6% being men, and 57.4% being women. Men who consumed two meals per day had higher odds of MetS than those who consumed three meals per day (odds ratio [OR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.33). Women who consumed two meals per day, and skipped breakfast had increased odds of having elevated fasting blood glucose levels (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.02–1.35), and elevated triglycerides (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.02–1.39). However, women who skipped dinner had reduced odds of having elevated fasting blood glucose levels (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.58–0.94).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that meal frequency and the type of main meal skipped may be associated with MetS and emphasize the importance of consuming breakfast to prevent MetS.
A case of syphilis associated with immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome and review of the literature
Authors: Pipitò Luca , Medaglia Alice Annalisa , Trizzino Marcello , Bonura Silvia , Gioè Claudia , Di Carlo Paola , Colomba Claudia , Cascio Antonio
Published: May 2023

Background

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) associated with syphilis has rarely been described in HIV-infected patients. Diagnosis can be challenging because it is not always possible to discern it from a recent infection or a worsening of an undiagnosed one.

Case presentation

An HIV-positive 42-year-old man with a poor compliance history of antiretroviral therapy presented at our unit and complained of ocular symptoms. Ocular syphilis diagnosis was posed after initial misdiagnosing with cytomegalovirus infection, and antiretroviral therapy compliance improved after switching to a bictegravir-based regimen. Despite intravenous (IV) penicillin, we observed an initial worsening with the appearance of new skin lesions, and IRIS syphilis was suspected. In the literature, 14 cases of IRIS syphilis are described, all regarding male patients. Seven were HIV naïve to therapy, and 7 HIV-experienced with poor therapy compliance. Basal syphilis serology was negative in ten, with subsequent seroconversion after the development of IRIS. IRIS-syphilis development was observed after a median time of 28 days from ART initiation; 10 cases were considered "unmasking-IRIS" and 4 "paradoxical-IRIS". Skin and ocular involvement were the most often reported. In most cases, it was not necessary to use a systemic steroid. A good outcome was reported in 12.

Conclusions

Syphilis should be considered in differential diagnosis with other diseases associated with IRIS. A negative syphilis serology before beginning antiretroviral therapy could convey the impression that syphilis has been ruled out. Whereas a high index of suspicion should be maintained when symptoms suggestive of syphilis, such as ocular and skin manifestations, are noticed after therapy has begun.
Cysteine depletion sensitizes prostate cancer cells to agents that enhance DNA damage and to immune checkpoint inhibition
Authors: Saha Achinto , Zhao Shengyuan , Kindall Austin , Wilder Carly , Friedman Chelsea A. , Clark Rachel , Georgiou George , Stone Everett , Kidane Dawit , DiGiovanni John
Published: May 2023

Background

Prostate Cancer (PCa) represents one of the most commonly diagnosed neoplasms in men and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Therapy resistance and significant side effects of current treatment strategies indicate the need for more effective agents to treat both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent PCa. In earlier studies, we demonstrated that depletion of L-cysteine/cystine with an engineered human enzyme, Cyst(e)inase, increased intracellular ROS levels and inhibited PCa growth in vitro and in vivo. The current study was conducted to further explore the mechanisms and potential combinatorial approaches with Cyst(e)inase for treatment of PCa.

Methods

DNA single strand breaks and clustered oxidative DNA damage were evaluated by alkaline comet assay and pulsed field gel electrophoresis, respectively. Neutral comet assay and immunofluorescence staining was used to measure DNA double strand breaks. Cell survival and reactive oxygen species level were measured by crystal violet assay and DCFDA staining, respectively. Western blot was used to determine protein expression. FACS analyses were preformed for immune cell phenotyping. Allograft and xenograft tumor models were used for assessing effects on tumor growth.

Results

PCa cells treated with Cyst(e)inase lead to DNA single and double strand breaks resulted from clustered oxidative DNA damage (SSBs and DSBs). Cyst(e)inase in combination with Auranofin, a thioredoxin reductase inhibitor, further increased intracellular ROS and DNA DSBs and synergistically inhibited PCa cell growth in vitro and in vivo. A combination of Cyst(e)inase with a PARP inhibitor (Olaparib) also increased DNA DSBs and synergistically inhibited PCa cell growth in vitro and in vivo without additional ROS induction. Knockdown of BRCA2 in PCa cells increased DSBs and enhanced sensitivity to Cyst(e)inase. Finally, Cyst(e)inase treatment altered tumor immune infiltrates and PD-L1 expression and sensitized PCa cells to anti-PD-L1 treatment.

Conclusions

The current results demonstrate the importance of oxidative DNA damage either alone or in combination for Cyst(e)inase-induced anticancer activity. Furthermore, cysteine/cystine depletion alters the tumor immune landscape favoring enhanced immune checkpoint inhibition targeting PD-L1. Thus, combinatorial approaches with Cyst(e)inase could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for PCa.
Differences of survival benefits brought by various treatments in ovarian cancer patients with different tumor stages
Authors: He Tingshan , Li Hong , Zhang Zhiqiao
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The current study aimed to explore the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients in different subgroup using three prognostic research indexes. The current study aimed to build a prognostic model for ovarian cancer patients.

Methods

The study dataset was downloaded from Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database. Accelerated Failure Time algorithm was used to construct a prognostic model for ovary cancer.

Results

The mortality rate in the model group was 51.6% (9,314/18,056), while the mortality rate in the validation group was 52.1% (6,358/12,199). The current study constructed a prognostic model for ovarian cancer patients. The C indexes were 0.741 (95% confidence interval: 0.731–0.751) in model dataset and 0.738 (95% confidence interval: 0.726–0.750) in validation dataset. Brier score was 0.179 for model dataset and validation dataset. The C indexes were 0.741 (95% confidence interval: 0.733–0.749) in bootstrap internal validation dataset. Brier score was 0.178 for bootstrap internal validation dataset.

Conclusion

The current research indicated that there were significant differences in the survival benefits of treatments among ovarian cancer patients with different stages. The current research developed an individual mortality risk predictive system that could provide valuable predictive information for ovarian cancer patients.

Graphical Abstract
In vitro anti-plasmodial activity of three selected medicinal plants that are used in local traditional medicine in Amhara region of Ethiopia
Authors: Ejigu Yenesew Wudu , Endalifer Bedilu Linger
Published: May 2023

Background

The plants Aloe weloensis, Lepidium sativum, and Lobelia gibberoa have been used in Ethiopian folklore medicine to treat various diseases including malaria.

Method

The in vitro anti-plasmodial activity of the three crude extracts was evaluated using parasite lactate dehydrogenase assay against the chloroquine (CQ)-sensitive D10 and the chloroquine (CQ)-resistant W2 strains.

Result

The methanolic extract of L. gibberoa roots showed the highest in vitro anti-plasmodial effect against both D10 and W2 Plasmodium falciparum strains with IC50 value of 103.83 ± 26.17 µg/mL and 47.11 ± 12.46 µg/mL, respectively. However, the methanolic extract of L. sativum seeds and the leaf latex of A. weloensis were not active with an IC50 value > 200 µg/mL against both D10 and W2 strains.

Conclusion

The methanolic extract of L. gibberoa roots showed a promising in vitro anti-plasmodial activity against the CQ-sensitive (D10) and CQ-resistant (W2) strains of P. falciparum. Thus, the anti-plasmodial activity of this plant partly justifies and may also support the traditional use against malaria. However, the methanolic extract of L. sativum seeds and the leaf latex of A. weloensis did not exert suppressive activity on the growth of P. falciparum strains.
Relationship between continuous glucose monitor (CGM)-assessed glycemic health and biological markers of cardiovascular health in adults
Authors: Sparks Joshua Robert
Published: May 2023

Background

Adults with overweight or obesity have a higher risk of the development of impaired glycemic health and cardiometabolic disorders. Glycemic variability acts as a more sensitive assessment of glycemic health compared to other clinical measures. Oxidative stress and diminished vascular health play a key role in the development of cardiometabolic disorders.

Objective

To examine the relationship between glucose concentrations and glycemic variability with biological markers of vascular health and oxidative stress.

Methods

Adults (n = 28; body mass index = 32.3 ± 6.3 kg/m2) completed 7-day continuous glucose monitoring. Percentage of time each day glucose concentrations were < 70 mg/dL, 70–180 mg/dL, and > 180 mg/dL was evaluated. Means of 24-h, waking and night sleep hours, maximum, minimum, and difference between maximum and minimum (Max–Min) glucose concentrations were determined. Measurements of intra- and inter-day glycemic variability were calculated. Fasting concentrations of glucose, vascular health marker nitric oxide (NO), and oxidative stress marker myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured, and the ratio of NO concentration to MPO concentration (NO:MPO) was calculated (propensity to vasodilate).

Results

MPO concentration negatively correlated with glycemic variability measured as the mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (r2 = 0.23, β = − 0.62, p = 0.03), while the NO:MPO ratio positively correlated with fasting glucose concentration (r2 = 0.22, β = 3.79, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that an increased propensity to vasodilate relates to increased fasting glucose concentration, while increased oxidative stress relates to decreased glycemic variability. These findings were unexpected and necessitates further research into the potential mechanisms of these findings for cardiometabolic health in adults having overweight or obesity.
EXERTION: a pilot trial on the effect of aerobic, smartwatch-controlled exercise on stroke recovery: effects on motor function, structural repair, cognition, mental well-being, and the immune system
Authors: Straeten Frederike A. , van Zyl Stephanie , Maus Bastian , Bauer Jochen , Raum Heiner , Gross Catharina C. , Bruchmann Sabine , Landmeyer Nils C. , Faber Cornelius , Minnerup Jens , Schmidt-Pogoda Antje
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Motor impairments are the objectively most striking sequelae after stroke, but non-motor consequences represent a high burden for stroke survivors as well. Depression is reported in one third of patients, the fatigue prevalence ranges from 23 to 75% due to heterogenous definitions and assessments. Cognitive impairment is found in one third of stroke patients 3–12 months after stroke and the risk for dementia is doubled by the event.

Aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms, counteract fatigue, and improve cognitive functions in non-stroke patients. Furthermore, exercise is known to strengthen the immune system. It is unknown, though, if aerobic exercise can counteract poststroke depression, fatigue, poststroke dementia and poststroke immunosuppression. Therefore, we aim to analyse the effect of aerobic exercise on functional recovery, cognition, emotional well-being, and the immune system. Reorganization of topological networks of the brain shall be visualized by diffusion MRI fibre tracking.

Methods

Adults with mild to moderate stroke impairment (initial NIHSS or NIHSS determined at the moment of maximal deterioration 1–18) are recruited within two weeks of stroke onset. Study participants must be able to walk independently without risk of falling. All patients are equipped with wearable devices (smartwatches) measuring the heart rate and daily step count. The optimal heart rate zone is determined by lactate ergometry at baseline. Patients are randomized to the control or the intervention group, the latter performing a heart rate-controlled walking training on own initiative 5 times a week for 45 min. All patients receive medical care and stroke rehabilitation to the usual standard of care. The following assessments are conducted at baseline and after 90 days: Fugl Meyer-assessment for the upper and lower extremity, 6 min-walk test, neuropsychological assessment (cognition: MoCA, SDMT; fatigue and depression: FSMC, HADS-D, participation: WHODAS 2.0 12-items), blood testing (i.e. immune profiling to obtain insights into phenotype and functional features of distinct immune-cell subsets) and cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with grid-sampled diffusion weighted imaging, white matter fibre tracking and MR spectroscopy.

Perspective

This study investigates the effect of smartwatch-controlled aerobic exercise on functional recovery, cognition, emotional well-being, the immune system, and neuronal network reorganization in stroke patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT Number: NCT05690165. First posted19 January 2023. Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05690165
Swirling transition with social interactions: Analyzed by a sixth-order Landau-type model
(a)
Authors: Bittl T. O. , Stark H.
Published: May 2023

Swirling groups of animals or bacteria are a common phenomenon in nature. It is thought that this collective organization occurs in the vicinity of a continuous transition between dynamic states to ensure robust group cohesion while allowing for high sensitivity to outside stimuli like predators. Here, we present Brownian dynamics simulations of active particles with social interactions which can form stable swirls. We observe a transition between swarming and swirling states and analyze these using a sixth-order Landau-type model. Our results suggest that the transition is weakly discontinuous. However, by lowering the rotational diffusion coefficient, it becomes continuous.
Relationship between threshold and bifurcations for paradoxical firing responses along with seizure induced by inhibitory stimulation
Authors: Wang Xianjun , Gu Huaguang , Jia Yanbing
Published: May 2023

Inhibition-induced enhancement or paradoxical response of firing was related to Hopf bifurcation instead of saddle-node bifurcation on an invariant cycle (SNIC), due to the “negative” threshold and rotated vector fields. In the present letter, by changing multiple parameters to adjust the vector fields, the condition for the paradoxical response and “negative” threshold is extended to SNIC near a codimension-2 bifurcation appearing prior to the Hopf bifurcation, which presents a comprehensive relationship between bifurcations and threshold. Especially, the result for a special current can well explain the enhanced firing along with seizure induced by inhibitory interneuron, implying that SNIC far from the codimension-2 bifurcation of pyramidal neuron is a potential candidate to avoid seizure.
An expansile presentation of focal cemento-osseous dysplasia of the mandible in a young girl
Authors: Ver Berne Jonas , Jacobs Reinhilde , Hauben Esther , Politis Constantinus
Published: May 2023

A 6-year-old girl presented with a grossly expansive lesion of the left lower jaw. Radiological investigations revealed a large mixed radiolucent/radio-opaque lesion of the left mandible extending into the ramus. Correlation of biopsy and imaging results lead to the diagnosis of an expansile form of focal cemento-osseous dysplasia. Surgical enucleation was performed, and the patient remained free of recurrence after 6 months of follow-up. When dealing with fibro-osseous lesions of the jaw, correlation of radiological and pathological results is mandatory to make a correct diagnosis and avoid unnecessarily extensive surgery.
ΕΥ ΖΩΩΝ: Σχεδιάζοντας και εφαρμόζοντας εκπαιδευτικές δραστηριότητες για την ευαισθητοποίηση παιδιών προσχολικής ηλικίας απέναντι στα ζώα συντροφιάς
Authors: Μαρκοδημητράκη Μαρία , Κυπριωτάκη Μαρία , Λιναρδάκης Μιχάλης , Σπανάκη Ειρήνη , Καλεσίου Μαρία , Ζυμονοπούλου Μαρίζα
Published: May 2023

Η Περιβαλλοντική Εκπαίδευση στην προσχολική ηλικία, σύμφωνα με το Πρόγραμμα Σπουδών του νηπιαγωγείου, στοχεύει μεταξύ άλλων στην ανάπτυξη και την καλλιέργεια φιλοζωικής συνείδησης. Σκοπός της παρούσας εργασίας ήταν αφενός να παρουσιάσουμε τις δομημένες δραστηριότητες του εκπαιδευτικού προγράμματος ΕΥ ΖΩΩΝ για την ευαισθητοποίηση των παιδιών προσχολικής ηλικίας σε θέματα ευζωίας και αφετέρου να διερευνήσουμε τους άξονες στους οποίους οι νηπιαγωγοί βασίζουν την αποτελεσματικότητα των δραστηριοτήτων αυτών. Το εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα εφαρμόστηκε σε τέσσερις φάσεις. Στην τέταρτη φάση του εκπαιδευτικού προγράμματος οι 21 από τις 135 νηπιαγωγούς που εφάρμοσαν τις 13 δραστηριότητες και ολοκλήρωσαν το πρόγραμμα συμμετείχαν στην αξιολόγηση των δραστηριοτήτων αυτών. Ο βαθμός υλοποίησης και η αξιολόγηση των δραστηριοτήτων από τις νηπιαγωγούς διερευνήθηκαν με ερωτηματολόγιο μετά το πέρας των δραστηριοτήτων, το οποίο τους χορηγήθηκε ηλεκτρονικά. Οι νηπιαγωγοί αξιολόγησαν τις δραστηριότητες με μία 10/βαθμη κλίμακα τύπου Likert, ενώ για κάθε δραστηριότητα απάντησαν και σε ανοικτή ερώτηση σχετικά με την αποτελεσματικότητά της. Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν ότι οι νηπιαγωγοί στην αξιολόγηση των δραστηριοτήτων έδωσαν έμφαση στον ενθουσιασμό των παιδιών για τους ήρωες του προγράμματος και τα θέματα που πραγματεύονται, καθώς και στον βαθμό στον οποίο οι δραστηριότητες  ευαισθητοποίησαν τα παιδιά απέναντι στην κακοποίηση των ζώων, στα δικαιώματά τους αλλά και στην καλλιέργεια αισθήματος ευθύνης για αυτά. Γενικά, η αξιολογική κρίση των νηπιαγωγών για τις δραστηριότητες αυτού του προγράμματος σημείωσε θετικό πρόσημο, ενώ συνέβαλε και στη βελτίωση των εκπαιδευτικών δραστηριοτήτων.
Platform Manipulation in Online Retail Marketplace with Sponsored Advertising
Authors: Long Fei , Liu Yunchuan
Published: May 2023

We study an online retail marketplace’s incentive to manipulate sellers’ product attractiveness to consumers (e.g., through fake sales, fake reviews, or dishonest endorsement) and sellers’ placement ranking.
Does Employee Happiness Have an Impact on Productivity?
Authors: Bellet Clément S. , De Neve Jan-Emmanuel , Ward George
Published: May 2023

This paper provides evidence from a natural experiment on the relationship between positive affect and productivity. We link highly detailed administrative data on the behaviors and performance of all telesales workers at a large telecommunications company with survey reports of employee happiness that we collected on a weekly basis. We use variation in worker mood arising from visual exposure to weather—the interaction between call center architecture and outdoor weather conditions—to provide a quasi-experimental test of the effect of happiness on productivity. We find evidence of a positive impact on sales performance, which is driven by changes in labor productivity—largely through workers converting more calls into sales and to a lesser extent by making more calls per hour and adhering more closely to their schedule. We find no evidence in our setting of effects on measures of high-frequency labor supply such as attendance and break-taking.

This paper was accepted by Yuval Rottenstreich, behavioral economics and decision analysis.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4766 .
Naive Feature Selection: A Nearly Tight Convex Relaxation for Sparse Naive Bayes
Authors: Askari Armin , d’Aspremont Alexandre , El Ghaoui Laurent
Published: May 2023

Because of its linear complexity, naive Bayes classification remains an attractive supervised learning method, especially in very large-scale settings. We propose a sparse version of naive Bayes, which can be used for feature selection. This leads to a combinatorial maximum-likelihood problem, for which we provide an exact solution in the case of binary data, or a bound in the multinomial case. We prove that our convex relaxation bounds become tight as the marginal contribution of additional features decreases using a priori duality gap bounds derived from the Shapley–Folkman theorem. We show how to produce primal solutions satisfying these bounds. Both binary and multinomial sparse models are solvable in time almost linear in problem size, representing a very small extra relative cost compared with the classical naive Bayes. Numerical experiments on text data show that the naive Bayes feature selection method is as statistically effective as state-of-the-art feature selection methods such as recursive feature elimination, l1-penalized logistic regression, and LASSO while being orders of magnitude faster (a python implementation can be found at https://github.com/aspremon/NaiveFeatureSelection ).

Funding: A. d’Aspremont acknowledges support from the Fonds AXA Pour la Recherche and Kamet Ventures [Machine Learning and Optimisation Joint Research Initiative] and a Google-focused award as well as funding from Agence Nationale de la Recherche [Grant ANR-19-P3IA-0001]. L. El Ghaoui acknowledges support from Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research and the Tsinghua–Berkeley–Shenzhen Institute.
‘Nothing about us, without us’: involving people with lived experience of multiple disadvantage – learning from the Fulfilling Lives programme
Authors: Wilson Sophie
Published: May 2023

This paper presents learning and insights drawn from the Fulfilling Lives (FL) programme – an eight-year programme funded through the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) and delivered across 12 sites in England. The programme aimed to improve services for people facing multiple disadvantage (MD) and was delivered by 12 partnerships, each led by voluntary sector organisations (VSOs).

The findings were supplemented by interviews carried out with delivery partners, stakeholders and people with lived experience (LE) from one of the 12 projects, Birmingham Changing Futures Together (BCFT). The review and supplementary interviews were conducted as part of a ‘scoping exercise’ designed to help the author shape and refine research questions at the outset of her doctoral study.

The focus of this paper is the involvement of people with LE in the delivery of the NLCF FL programme. The research questions explored the mechanisms used to involve people with LE of MD, the impact that their involvement was found to have on effecting ‘systems change’ and some of the limiting factors to this involvement. The paper sets out the conditions needed to facilitate better involvement and considers what these insights offer for the future design and delivery of services for VSOs seeking to develop their approach to involving people with LE.
Structured light 3-D sensing for scenes with discontinuous reflectivity: error removal based on scene reconstruction and normalization
Authors: Lyu Nenqing , Yu Haotian , Xu Xinya , Bai Lianfa , Zheng Dongliang , Han Jing
Published: May 2023

Structured light-based 3-D sensing technique reconstructs the 3-D shape from the disparity given by pixel correspondence of two sensors. However, for scene surface containing discontinuous reflectivity (DR), the captured intensity deviates from its actual value caused by the non-ideal camera point spread function (PSF), thus generating 3-D measurement error. First, we construct the error model of fringe projection profilometry (FPP). From which, we conclude that the DR error of FPP is related to both the camera PSF and the scene reflectivity. The DR error of FPP is hard to be alleviated because of unknown scene reflectivity. Second, we introduce single-pixel imaging (SI) to reconstruct the scene reflectivity and normalize the scene with scene reflectivity "captured" by the projector. From the normalized scene reflectivity, pixel correspondence with error opposite to the original reflectivity is calculated for the DR error removal. Third, we propose an accurate 3-D reconstruction method under discontinuous reflectivity. In this method, pixel correspondence is first established by using FPP, and then refined by using SI with reflectivity normalization. Both the analysis and the measurement accuracy are verified under scenes with different reflectivity distributions in the experiments. As a result, the DR error is effectively alleviated while taking an acceptable measurement time.
Towards single-photon Brillouin optical time domain reflectometry
Authors: Romanet Maxime , Giraldo Luis Miguel , Zerbib Maxime , Rochat Etienne , Phan Huy Kien , Beugnot Jean-Charles
Published: May 2023

We investigate a novel distributed Brillouin optical time domain reflectometer (BOTDR) using standard telecommunication fibers based on single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) in gated mode, ν −BOTDR, with a range of 120 km and 10 m spatial resolution. We experimentally demonstrate the ability to perform a distributed temperature measurement, by detecting a hot spot at 100 km. Instead of using a frequency scan like conventional BOTDR, we use a frequency discriminator based on the slope of a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) to convert the count rate of the SPAD into a frequency shift. A procedure to take into account the FBG drift during the acquisition and perform sensitive and reliable distributed measurements is described. We also present the possibility to differentiate strain and temperature.
Efficient line shape estimation by ghost spectroscopy
Authors: Gianani Ilaria , Sánchez-Soto Luis L. , Goldberg Aaron Z. , Barbieri Marco
Published: May 2023

Recovering the original spectral line shapes from data obtained by instruments with extended transmission profiles is a basic tenet in spectroscopy. By using the moments of the measured lines as basic variables, we turn the problem into a linear inversion. However, when only a finite number of these moments are relevant, the rest of them act as nuisance parameters. These can be taken into account with a semiparametric model, which allows us to establish the ultimate bounds on the precision attainable in the estimation of the moments of interest. We experimentally confirm these limits with a simple ghost spectroscopy demonstration.
Rapid physiological and transcriptomic changes associated with oxygen delivery in larval anemonefish suggest a role in adaptation to life on hypoxic coral reefs
Authors: Downie Adam T. , Lefevre Sjannie , Illing Björn , Harris Jessica , Jarrold Michael D. , McCormick Mark I. , Nilsson Göran E. , Rummer Jodie L.
Published: May 2023

Connectivity of coral reef fish populations relies on successful dispersal of a pelagic larval phase. Pelagic larvae must exhibit high swimming abilities to overcome ocean and reef currents, but once settling onto the reef, larvae transition to endure habitats that become hypoxic at night. Therefore, coral reef fish larvae must rapidly and dramatically shift their physiology over a short period of time. Taking an integrative, physiological approach, using swimming respirometry, and examining hypoxia tolerance and transcriptomics, we show that larvae of cinnamon anemonefish (Amphiprion melanopus) rapidly transition between “physiological extremes” at the end of their larval phase. Daily measurements of swimming larval anemonefish over their entire early development show that they initially have very high mass-specific oxygen uptake rates. However, oxygen uptake rates decrease midway through the larval phase. This occurs in conjunction with a switch in haemoglobin gene expression and increased expression of myoglobin, cytoglobin, and neuroglobin, which may all contribute to the observed increase in hypoxia tolerance. Our findings indicate that critical ontogenetic changes in the gene expression of oxygen-binding proteins may underpin the physiological mechanisms needed for successful larval recruitment to reefs.
The calcium channel Orai1 is required for osteoblast development: Studies in a chimeric mouse with variable in vivo Runx-cre deletion of Orai-1
Authors: Robinson Lisa J. , Soboloff Jonathan , Tourkova Irina L. , Larrouture Quitterie C. , Onwuka Kelechi M. , Papachristou Dionysios J. , Gross Scott , Hooper Robert , Samakai Elsie , Worley Paul F. , Liu Peng , Tuckermann Jan , Witt Michelle R. , Blair Harry C.
Published: May 2023

The calcium-selective ion channel Orai1 has a complex role in bone homeostasis, with defects in both bone production and resorption detected in Orai1 germline knock-out mice. To determine whether Orai1 has a direct, cell-intrinsic role in osteoblast differentiation and function, we bred Orai1 flox/flox (Orai1fl/fl) mice with Runx2-cre mice to eliminate its expression in osteoprogenitor cells. Interestingly, Orai1 was expressed in a mosaic pattern in Orai1fl/fl-Runx2-cre bone. Specifically, antibody labeling for Orai1 in vertebral sections was uniform in wild type animals, but patchy regions in Orai1fl/fl-Runx2-cre bone revealed Orai1 loss while in other areas expression persisted. Nevertheless, by micro-CT, bones from Orai1fl/fl-Runx2-cre mice showed reduced bone mass overall, with impaired bone formation identified by dynamic histomorphometry. Cortical surfaces of Orai1fl/fl-Runx2-cre vertebrae however exhibited patchy defects. In cell culture, Orai1-negative osteoblasts showed profound reductions in store-operated Ca2+ entry, exhibited greatly decreased alkaline phosphatase activity, and had markedly impaired substrate mineralization. We conclude that defective bone formation observed in the absence of Orai1 reflects an intrinsic role for Orai1 in differentiating osteoblasts.
Effects of high-intensity interval training on physical morphology, cardiorespiratory fitness and metabolic risk factors of cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Men Jie , Zou Shuangling , Ma Jia , Xiang Chenmin , Li Shufeng , Wang Junli
Published: May 2023

Objective

To systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of high-intensity interval training in children and adolescents.

Methods

Eight databases were searched. Descriptive analysis of the efficacy and safety of high-intensity interval training on body shape, cardiorespiratory fitness, and metabolic risk markers of cardiovascular disease in children and adolescents. Subgroup analysis was performed using age, participants, intervention time, and exercise frequency as covariates.

Results

47 studies included 2995 children and adolescents. The results of the meta-analysis showed that high-intensity interval training significantly improved cardiorespiratory fitness indicators (VO2max, SBP, DBP and HRmax) and cardiovascular disease biomarkers (TC and HDL-C). HIIT had no significant effect on body shape indicators (BMI, BF% and WC) or cardiovascular disease biomarkers (TG and LDL-C).

Conclusion

Currently, there is insufficient evidence that HIIT with interval running as the predominant form improves physical indicators in children and adolescents. However, HIIT can be promoted in children and adolescents to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and reduce some metabolic risk of cardiovascular disease.
Algorithm for biological second messenger analysis with dynamic regions of interest
Authors: Knighten Jennifer M. , Aziz Takreem , Pleshinger Donald J. , Annamdevula Naga , Rich Thomas C. , Taylor Mark S. , Andrews Joel F. , Macarilla Christian T. , Francis C. Michael
Published: May 2023

Physiological function is regulated through cellular communication that is facilitated by multiple signaling molecules such as second messengers. Analysis of signal dynamics obtained from cell and tissue imaging is difficult because of intricate spatially and temporally distinct signals. Signal analysis tools based on static region of interest analysis may under- or overestimate signals in relation to region of interest size and location. Therefore, we developed an algorithm for biological signal detection and analysis based on dynamic regions of interest, where time-dependent polygonal regions of interest are automatically assigned to the changing perimeter of detected and segmented signals. This approach allows signal profiles to be rigorously and precisely tracked over time, eliminating the signal distortion observed with static methods. Integration of our approach with state-of-the-art image processing and particle tracking pipelines enabled the isolation of dynamic cellular signaling events and characterization of biological signaling patterns with distinct combinations of parameters including amplitude, duration, and spatial spread. Our algorithm was validated using synthetically generated datasets and compared with other available methods. Application of the algorithm to volumetric time-lapse hyperspectral images of cyclic adenosine monophosphate measurements in rat microvascular endothelial cells revealed distinct signal heterogeneity with respect to cell depth, confirming the utility of our approach for analysis of 5-dimensional data. In human tibial arteries, our approach allowed the identification of distinct calcium signal patterns associated with atherosclerosis. Our algorithm for automated detection and analysis of second messenger signals enables the decoding of signaling patterns in diverse tissues and identification of pathologic cellular responses.