bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender as performance, experience, identity and, variable: A systematic review of gender research in jazz and improvisation
Authors: Canham Nicole , Goh Talisha , Barrett Margaret S. , Hope Cat , Devenish Louise , Park Miranda , Burke Robert L. , Hall Clare A.
Published: November 2022

There is growing interest in examining the gendered nature of music practices worldwide. Recent investigations of access to and equity in the music industry have included studies of gender discrimination in classical music, popular music, film music, and within the structure of colonization. This article contributes to this work by reporting the findings of a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of research that addresses the gendered nature of jazz and improvised music practices in education settings, ensembles, and professional performance environments. Our purpose was to generate an understanding of the phenomenon of gendered jazz and improvised music practices through the following research questions: (1) what is the scope and focus of existing empirical research on gender in jazz and improvised music? (2) where has this research been undertaken, by whom, and to what purpose? (3) what methodological approaches have been employed? (4) how has gender been understood in this research? Findings indicate that research on gender in the jazz and improvisation sector is largely undertaken by women researchers working individually within the Euro-Anglosphere (US, UK, Australia). The majority of studies were undertaken in the qualitative paradigm with autoethnographies, case studies, ethnography, and narrative inquiry as the dominant research approaches. A small number of studies used quantitative or mixed methods with gender as the key variable. By contrast, qualitative studies focused on gendered accounts of working in the jazz and improvisation sector providing deeply personal narratives via artistic research, as illustrations of how larger institutional and societal factors shape the experiences of the individual. Given this personal focus, explicit referencing to theoretical frameworks was de-emphasized in the papers reviewed. Our discussion focuses on the individual and institutional factors that might account for these patterns of research and knowledge production as a way of framing past and present understandings of issues relating to gender in jazz and improvised music. We argue that small-scale qualitative research needs to be supported by larger-scale intersectional investigation into systemic or institutionalized phenomena that investigates how gender marginalization is enabled through these structures. Recommendations for further research, policy and practice are provided.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to P450 oxidoreductase deficiency
Authors: Zhang Jin , Woo Kwan Leong , Hai Yongxiong , Wang Shimin , Lin Ying , Huang Ying , Peng Xiaofang , Wu HongShi , Zhang Shaoling , Yan Li , Li Yan
Published: November 2022

Objective

To raise awareness of Cytochrome P450 Oxidoreductase Deficiency (PORD, a rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), through a case of pregnant woman with virilization symptoms.

Case description

A 30-year-old Chinese woman was referred to hospital after 7 years of presenting signs of virilization, including voice deepening, acromegaly, hirsutism, clitoromegaly, and acne. These symptoms appeared since her third gestation. Her second birth died 9 hours after birth and had signs of clitoris hypertrophy. Her third born was a son who presented with flat nose, radius and humerus bone malformation, and small penis at birth. Panel of POR-related genetic tests revealed that the patient carried c.1370 G>A (p.R457H), which is a POR heterozygous gene, while her husband carried a POR heterozygous gene as well, c.1379 C>A (p.S460Y). Two heterozygous mutations of the POR were found in her son: c.1370 G>A and c.1379 C>A. In PORD, c.1370 G>A (p.R457H) was reported as a susceptible gene, while c.1379 C>A (p.S460Y) has not been reported as responsible for the disease so far.

Discussion and literature review

PORD is a rare form of CAH and caused by POR gene mutations. Most PORD patients are identified and diagnosed in pediatrics department. Internal medicine and obstetrics physicians are unfamiliar with the disease. As clinical manifestations are diverse, PORD could be easy to miss or to be misdiagnosed. Typical clinical manifestation includes adrenal insufficiency-related symptoms, such as bone malformations and sexual development disorders. PORD is diagnosed through genetic testing. Investigations of steroid metabolic products in urine through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry are also helpful for the diagnosis, but neither of them are widely available in China. In this case, the patient had a history of infertility, and her third child was born with congenital defect and carried a PORD-related gene. In general clinical practice, if a pregnant woman presents with abnormal virilization symptoms, CAH possibilities should be considered, including rare causes such as PORD.

Conclusion

PORD is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disease. We summarised the clinical characteristics and genotypes that were previously reported in the Chinese population and identified a novel mutation.
Association of maternal triglyceride responses to thyroid function in early pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhang Chen , Bai Lilian , Sun Kuan , Ding Guolian , Liu Xinmei , Wu Yanting , Huang Hefeng
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is increasing globally, and high levels of triglyceride (TG) and low levels of free thyroxine (FT4) in early pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of GDM; however, the interaction and mediation effects remain unknown. The aim of the present study is to examine the impact of FT4 and TG combined effects on the prevalence of GDM and the corresponding casual paths among women in early pregnancy.

Materials and methods

This study comprised 40,156 pregnant women for whom early pregnancy thyroid hormones, fasting blood glucose as well as triglyceride were available. GDM was diagnosed using a 2-hour 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) according to the American Diabetes Association guidelines, and the pregnant women were grouped and compared according to the results.

Results

An L-shaped association between FT4 and GDM was observed. The prevalence of GDM increased with increasing TG levels. After accounting for multiple covariables, the highest risk for GDM was found among pregnant women of lower FT4 with the highest TG concentrations (odds ratio, 2.44, 95% CI, 2.14 to 2.80; P<0.001) compared with mothers of higher FT4 with the TG levels in the lowest quartile (Q1). There was a significant interaction effect of maternal FT4 and TG levels on the risk for GDM (P for interaction = 0.036). The estimated proportion of the mediating effect of maternal TG levels was 21.3% (95% CI, 15.6% to 36.0%; P < 0.001). In the sensitivity analysis, the mediating effect of TG levels was stable across subgroups.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated an L-shaped association between maternal FT4 levels and GDM and the benefit of low TG levels, in which maternal TG levels act as an important mediator in this association. Our findings suggested that pregnant women who treat hypothyroidism should also reduce triglycerides levels in early pregnancy to prevent GDM development.
Non-linear effects of industrial structure on urban haze pollution: A test and extension of the environmental Kuznets curve
Authors: Wang Zhenhua , Dai Ruijie , Yang Jian , Bai Bing , Jiang TianLong
Published: November 2022

Whether the Environmental Kuznets curve is established in haze pollution has an important policy. Based on the PM2.5 concentration raster data of 283 cities in MODIS and MISR, this paper empirically examines the non-linear effects of industrial structure upgrading on haze pollution using a spatial econometric model, and further tests and extends the environmental Kuznets curve using a threshold model. The study finds that there is a significant spatial spillover effect on haze pollution between cities, an inverted ''U'' shaped relationship between industrial upgrading and haze pollution, confirming the environmental Kuznets curve, and that the effect of industrial upgrading on haze pollution is mainly a direct effect, while the indirect effect is not significant. Further discussion in this paper reveals that there is a threshold effect of industrial upgrading on haze pollution; the traditional environmental Kuznets curve can be refined and extended: on both sides of the inflection point, there may be both positive and negative effects of economic development on environmental pollution, and the environmental Kuznets curve is the result of the combined effect of the two different effects.
Landscape ecological risk assessment and driving mechanism of coastal estuarine tidal flats—A case study of the liaohe estuary wetlands
Authors: Li Haifu , Su Fangli , Guo Chengjiu , Dong Linlin , Song Fei , Wei Chao , Zheng Yunlong
Published: November 2022

Estuarine tidal flats are located in the land-sea crisscross-sensitive zone. The degraded and shrinking state of major tidal flat landscapes weakens their ecological role in maintaining the safety of coastal wetlands in the world. However, little attention has been paid to tidal flat landscape evolution and ecological risks due to the tidal flats being located in the periphery of estuarine wetlands. This study was conducted in the tidal flats of the Liaohe estuary wetlands. The GIS spatial analysis and a transition matrix were combined to explore the tidal flat landscape evolution characteristics. The ecological risk faced by the tidal flats was evaluated by a landscape ecological risk model constructed by landscape indexes. The key driving factors and threshold values that affect the ecological risks were clarified using geographical detectors and regression analysis methods. The results showed that the tidal flats mainly evolved into a natural wetland before 2000 and rapidly changed into an artificial landscape between 2000 and 2010; the proportion of artificial landscapes then began to decline after 2010. Over the past 30 years, the landscape ecological risk in this area has generally been at a medium risk level. The ecological risk index showed a decreasing trend with the increases in landscape diversity. The low-risk artificial plaques have gradually replaced high-risk and medium-risk plaques of exposed tidal flats and natural wetlands. The study showed that human development activities were the key factors affecting the landscape ecological risks of the tidal flats. River sediment discharge was the key natural factor in maintaining the landscape ecological risk at a stable level. Therefore, the human development activities should be controlled within an appropriate limit, and the material supply of the upstream basin should be guaranteed to maintain the stability of the tidal flat landscape form in the protection and utilization of estuarine tidal flats in the future.
Interactive climate-soil forces shape the spatial distribution of foliar N:P stoichiometry in Vaccinium uliginosum planted in agroforests of Northeast China
Authors: Duan Yadong , Guo Baitao , Zhang Lei , Li Jinxia , Li Sen , Zhao Wenbo , Yang Guang , Zhou Shuang , Zhou Chunwei , Song Penghui , Li Pengju , Fang Lei , Hou Shuai , Shi Deshan , Zhao Hengtian , Guo Peng
Published: November 2022

In regions with a ban on forest logging, fruit-bearing shrubs are favored as an alternative source of ecological products over the harvesting of timber. The introduction of cultured shrubs from their habitat to newly developed lands has to be decided according to nutrient availability. Foliar nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) stoichiometry is an easily measured and reliable parameter to quickly indicate possible limits in imbalanced N-P availability. When attempting to create a spatial distribution map of the foliar N:P ratio in an objective shrub species, it is helpful to first explore its potential acclimation to the N:P imbalance caused by the joint forces of soil property and regional climate. This study evaluated the cultivated populations of Vaccinium uliginosum in northeastern China's agroforests, using Vaccinium uliginosum as a model shrub species. A total of 51 populations were selected from 51 managed stands, of which 34 were in forests and 17 on farmlands. Foliar N and P concentrations, soil physical and chemical properties, and topography were investigated in 2018, and regional climatic factors were assessed by averaging previous 5-year records (2013–2018). V. uliginosum was determined to have a foliar N:P ratio lower than 4.4, which can be characterized as a limit of N relative to that of P. On forested lands, soil pH negatively impacted regressed foliar N:P, which was also part of the contributions of soil total P content and average temperature to foliar N concentration. On farmlands, low soil pH also resulted in a reduced foliar N:P ratio with joint contributions of ammonium N, nitrate N, and available P contents in soils and air humidity. Spatial interpolation indicated that western forests could benefit from introduced V. uliginosum with a higher foliar N concentration, while the introduction to eastern farmlands can lead to a higher foliar N:P ratio up to 14.6. Our study demonstrates recommended locations with expected soil and meteorological conditions by mapping spatial distributions, which can be referred to by other species and regions.
Identification and characterization of novel elastin gene mutations in eleven families with supravalvular aortic stenosis
Authors: Zhou Jianrong , Wu Yueheng , Xu Xiaoli , Zhang Yong , Zhang Xiong , Chen Haisheng , Zhuang Jian , Chen Jimei , Teng Yun
Published: November 2022

Background: Supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) is a rare congenital heart disease affecting approximately 1 in 25,000 live births. In some patients it is accompanied by pulmonary artery stenosis, particularly of pulmonary artery branches. Chronic stenosis can lead to cardiac hypertrophy and even circulatory failure. Familial autosomal dominant SVAS is frequently associated with elastin (ELN) gene mutations, whereas Williams-Beuren syndrome is a complex developmental disorder caused by heterozygous microdeletions of 26–28 genes at 7q11.23, including ELN.

Methods: Whole-exome sequencing was performed in 42 individuals from 11 Chinese families with SVAS to identify the pathogenic gene mutations involved. Aortic tissue was obtained for histological analyses, and quantitative reverse-transcription-PCR and western blotting were used to verify the expression of elastin molecules.

Results: Five point mutations and six frameshift mutations in the ELN gene were detected in the peripheral blood of all investigated families. Nine were nonsense mutations that result in premature stop codons, and the other two were missense mutations. All variants were heterozygous. Nine of the variants were novel, and have not been included in databases or previously reported. One mutation occurred in individuals from two different families. Reduced elastin protein expression was evident in patients’ aortic tissue.

Conclusions: The novel mutations of ELN were found to be pathogenic, which confirmed by reduced elastin expression and leads to SVAS. Thus, detailed cardiac testing and genetic counseling are warranted for patients and asymptomatic individuals with these mutations.
AKR1B8 deficiency drives severe DSS-induced acute colitis through invasion of luminal bacteria and activation of innate immunity
Authors: Deng Qiulin , Yao Yichen , Yang Jing , Khoshaba Ramina , Shen Yi , Wang Xin , Cao Deliang
Published: November 2022

Background

Dysfunction of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) promotes inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and associated colorectal cancer (CRC). AKR1B8 deficiency impairs the IEC barrier function, leading to susceptibility to chronic colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), yet it remains unclear how acute colitic response is in AKR1B8 deficient mice.

Methods

AKR1B8 knockout (KO) and littermate wild type mice were exposed to oral 1.5% DSS in drinking water for 6 days. Disease activity index and histopathological inflammation scores by H&E staining were calculated for colitic severity; permeability was assessed by fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-Dextran) probes and bacterial invasion and transmission were detected by in situ hybridization in mucosa or by culture in blood agar plates. Immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry were applied for immune cell quantification. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and target gene expression was analyzed by Western blotting and qRT-PCR.

Results

AKR1B8 KO mice developed severe acute colitis at a low dose (1.5%) of DSS in drinking water compared to wild type controls. In AKR1B8 KO mice, FITC-dextran was penetrated easily and luminal bacteria invaded to the surface of IEC layer on day 3, and excessive bacteria translocated into the colonic mucosa, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and liver on day 6, which was much mild in wild type mice. Hyper-infiltration of neutrophils and basophils occurred in AKR1B8 KO mice, and monocytes in spleen and macrophages in colonic mucosa increased markedly compared to wild type mice. TLR4 signaling in colonic epithelial cells of AKR1B8 KO mice was activated to promote great IL-1β and IL-6 expression compared to wild type mice.

Conclusions

AKR1B8 deficiency in IECs drives severe acute colitis induced by DSS at a low dose through activation of the innate immunity, being a novel pathogenic factor of colitis.
Review of acoustical and optical techniques to measure absolute salinity of seawater
Authors: Le Menn Marc , Nair Rajesh
Published: November 2022

The salinity of seawater is of fundamental importance in climate studies, and the measurement of the variable requires high accuracy and precision in order to be able to resolve its typically small variations in the oceans with depth and over long-time scales. This is currently only possible through the measurement of conductivity, which has led to the definition of a Practical Salinity scale. However, seawater is also composed of a large number of non-conducting substances that constitute salinity anomalies. Differences of the ratios of the constituents of sea salt from the Reference Composition may also change salinity anomalies. The establishment of formulae for calculating the thermodynamic properties of seawater has led to the definition of the concept of Absolute Salinity (SA), which includes such anomalies and is similar in approach to the notion of density. Although the routine in situ measurement of SA is still a huge challenge, numerous developments based on acoustic techniques, but above all, refractometry, interferometry or complex fiber optic assemblies, have been tested for this purpose. The development of monolithic components has also been initiated. The measurement of the refractive index by these techniques has the advantage of taking into account all the dissolved substances in seawater. This paper reviews the difficulties encountered in establishing theoretical or empirical relations between SA and the sound velocity, the refractive index or the density, and discusses the latest and most promising developments in SA measurement with a particular focus on in situ applications.
Developing an international public health cooperation mechanism for the cruise industry
Authors: Wu Wei , Li Lu
Published: November 2022

The cruise industry has suffered heavy setbacks owing to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Domestic and global pandemic control measures—involving rules varying across countries as well as distinct legal systems—were escalated. We aimed to illustrate the need to establish a public health cooperation mechanism for the cruise industry. First, we analyzed the legal dilemma pertaining to pandemic prevention and control in cooperative situations; namely, the legal loopholes in the prevention, control, and rescue of cruise ships. Second, we focused on international collaboration during cruise ship rescues amid the pandemic, exploring solutions for current industry problems. Third, by analyzing Chinese practices in cruise-related areas, this paper guides the development of a public health cooperation mechanism for the cruise industry. In sum, we call upon the international community to develop such a mechanism within the scope of international law in terms of public health security and pandemic prevention. Research methodology: This is a practical research paper. Per our analysis of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and International Health Regulations of the World Health Organization, we studied the global legal issues pertaining to cruise epidemic prevention and control by sorting out legal regulations. We conclude that an international cooperation mechanism for cruise epidemic prevention and control should be established to ensure the cruise industry’s sustainable development.
The effect of COVID-19 pandemic and wearing face masks on ophthalmology practice: What is known so far? A narrative review
Authors: Abu-Ismail Luai , Al-Shami Khayry , Al-Shami Manar , Nashwan Abdulqadir J.
Published: November 2022

Face masks, along with other preventive measures, can help slow the spread of COVID-19. Despite the positive effect of the mask in combating the virus, it has some negative effects on the human body that must be followed up on and reduced. In this study, we discuss the impact of wearing face masks on the eye and the common issues associated with using them. The literature search was conducted using electronic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. Only articles published in English were included. A total of 39 relevant articles were deemed eligible. After the duplicate articles were removed, the titles and abstracts of 20 papers underwent full-text screening. The review comprised both prospective and retrospective investigations, case reports, and a series of reporting ocular symptoms following the use of face masks. The COVID-19 pandemic affected ophthalmology practices in managing patients. New factors must be considered, especially when dealing with anti-VEGF injections, such as the risk of endophthalmitis, tests and symptoms of patients with glaucoma, and the emerging symptoms associated with the COVID-19 vaccination. The use of face masks and breathing aids seemed to influence the tear film.
A case study: Re-evaluating the biological risk following a processing aid change on a marketed cardiovascular implant device
Authors: Hsia Frances K. , Stornetta Alessia , Soucy Nicole V.
Published: November 2022

Per ISO 10993-1:2018, a processing change to a medical device requires re-evaluation of biological risk. Here, we present the biological evaluation of a marketed cardiovascular implant following a detergent formulation change. This change was initially assessed through a qualitative toxicological risk assessment based on the fully disclosed detergent formulation and a limited panel of biological testing. The conclusion was that the new detergent did not impact the biological safety of the device. This assessment was rejected during regulatory review, and extractables and leachables under exhaustive extraction conditions were then evaluated for devices processed with new versus original detergent. New extractables were present at low levels (2–65 µg/device), and a toxicological risk assessment concluded no concern. The regulatory agency responded requesting additional biological testing to evaluate local effects, further characterization of compounds with a “tentative” identification, and leachable data to support clinically relevant exposure estimates. All additional data was collected per the agency request. Still, the conclusion, considering all data, was unchanged, suggesting the extensive chemical characterization and repeat biological testing unnecessary, especially considering animal use. This case study highlights the recent shift in regulatory expectations around chemical characterization and questions the value of additional biological testing when faced with low extractable levels of low toxicity concern. It also demonstrates the need to hold to key portions of the ISO 10993 risk management framework to avoid excessive burden on medical device development when there is little to no determined risk to patient safety.
Biofilm formation and inflammatory potential of Staphylococcus saccharolyticus: A possible cause of orthopedic implant-associated infections
Authors: Afshar Mastaneh , Møllebjerg Andreas , Minero Gabriel Antonio , Hollensteiner Jacqueline , Poehlein Anja , Himmelbach Axel , Lange Jeppe , Meyer Rikke Louise , Brüggemann Holger
Published: November 2022

Staphylococcus saccharolyticus, a coagulase-negative staphylococcal species, has some unusual characteristics for human-associated staphylococci, such as slow growth and its preference for anoxic culture conditions. This species is a relatively abundant member of the human skin microbiota, but its microbiological properties, as well as the pathogenic potential, have scarcely been investigated so far, despite being occasionally isolated from different types of infections including orthopedic implant-associated infections. Here, we investigated the growth and biofilm properties of clinical isolates of S. saccharolyticus and determined host cell responses. Growth assessments in anoxic and oxic conditions revealed strain-dependent outcomes, as some strains can also grow aerobically. All tested strains of S. saccharolyticus were able to form biofilm in a microtiter plate assay. Strain-dependent differences were determined by optical coherence tomography, revealing that medium supplementation with glucose and sodium chloride enhanced biofilm formation. Visualization of the biofilm by confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed the role of extracellular DNA in the biofilm structure. In addition to attached biofilms, S. saccharolyticus also formed bacterial aggregates at an early stage of growth. Transcriptome analysis of biofilm-grown versus planktonic cells revealed a set of upregulated genes in biofilm-embedded cells, including factors involved in adhesion, colonization, and competition such as epidermin, type I toxin-antitoxin system, and phenol-soluble modulins (beta and epsilon). To investigate consequences for the host after encountering S. saccharolyticus, cytokine profiling and host cell viability were assessed by infection experiments with differentiated THP-1 cells. The microorganism strongly triggered the secretion of the tested pro-inflammatory cyto- and chemokines IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha, determined at 24 h post-infection. S. saccharolyticus was less cytotoxic than Staphylococcus aureus. Taken together, the results indicate that S. saccharolyticus has substantial pathogenic potential. Thus, it can be a potential cause of orthopedic implant-associated infections and other types of deep-seated infections.
Involvement of D2-like dopaminergic receptors in contextual fear conditioning in female rats: influence of estrous cycle
Authors: de Oliveira Alves Camila , Reimer Adriano Edgar , de Oliveira Amanda Ribeiro
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Dopamine has been increasingly recognized as a key neurotransmitter regulating fear/anxiety states. Nevertheless, the influence of sex and estrous cycle differences on the role of dopamine in fear responses needs further investigation. We aimed to evaluate the effects of sulpiride (a dopaminergic D2-like receptor antagonist) on contextual fear conditioning in females while exploring the influence of the estrous cycle.

Methods: First, using a contextual fear conditioning paradigm, we assessed potential differences in acquisition, expression, and extinction of the conditioned freezing response in male and female (split in proestrus/estrus and metestrus/diestrus) Wistar rats. In a second cohort, we evaluated the effects of sulpiride (20 and 40 mg/kg) on contextual conditioned fear in females during proestrus/estrus and metestrus/diestrus. Potential nonspecific effects were assessed in motor activity assays (catalepsy and open-field tests).

Results: No sex differences nor estrous cycle effects on freezing behavior were observed during the fear conditioning phases. Sulpiride reduced freezing expression in female rats. Moreover, females during the proestrus/estrus phases of the estrous cycle were more sensitive to the effects of sulpiride than females in metestrus/diestrus. Sulpiride did not cause motor impairments.

Discussion: Although no sex or estrous cycle differences were observed in basal conditioned fear expression and extinction, the estrous cycle seems to influence the effects of D2-like antagonists on contextual fear conditioning.
The correlation between serum Cyclophilin A level and severity, prognosis of craniocerebral injury
Authors: Li Peng-Fei , Zhang Jing-Chen , He Xu-Jian , Niu Jian-Hua , Wu Wei-Fang , Li Tong
Published: November 2022

Background

To investigate the value of serum Cyclophilin A(Cyp A) in evaluating the prognosis of patients with different severity of craniocerebral injury.

Methods

The clinical data of patients with craniocerebral injury treated in the Department of Emergency from July 2014 to August 2017 were collected. The patients were divided into survival group and death group, good neurological function group and poor neurological function group with 28-day prognosis and were divided into mild (13–15) group, moderate (9–12) group, and severe (3–8) group with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. Clinical parameters such as Cyp A and mortality in groups and the relationship between Cyp A and GCS score were compared and its predictive value for prognosis was analyzed with Binary Logistics regression, Cox proportional hazards model and kaplan-meier survival curve.

Results

In a single-center retrospective study, 503 patients were enrolled, including 365 males and 138 females; serum Cyp A in the survival group was significantly smaller than the death group [18.7 (10.1, 51.5) ng/mL vs. 149.8 (79.5, 194.4) ng/mL, P < 0.005]. There were significant differences in mortality and Cyp A levels between patients with different severity of craniocerebral injury (P < 0.001). Serum Cyp A levels were negatively correlated with GCS scores in all patients with craniocerebral injury, mild, moderate, or severe craniocerebral injury (r = −0.844, r = −0.256, r = −0.540, r = −0.531, P < 0.001). Predictive value of Serum Cyp A level for all patients with craniocerebral injury, mild, moderate, and severe craniocerebral injury is 0.890, 0.789, 0.806, and 0.833, respectively. Logistics regression analysis showed that lactate (OR = 1.260, 95%CI: 1.023–1.551) and Cyp A (OR = 1.021, 95%CI: 1.011–1.031) were positively correlated with death (P < 0.05), Lactic acid (HR 1.115; 95%CI:1.001–1.243; P = 0.048), GCS score (HR 0.888; 95% CI: 0.794–0.993; P = 0.038), Cyp A levels (HR 1.009; 95% CI: 1.004–1.013; P < 0.001) had a significant effect on short-term mortality. Similar results were seen when neurologic function was used as the outcome. Kaplan-meier survival curve analysis found survival rate of patients with Cyp A level below the cut-off value was significantly higher.

Conclusion

Serum Cyp A has a certain predictive value for the prognosis of patients with different severity of craniocerebral injury. Among them, patients with severe craniocerebral injury have the highest predictive value and mild craniocerebral injury patients have the least.
Reliability of MUSE 2 and Tobii Pro Nano at capturing mobile application users' real-time cognitive workload changes
Authors: Zhang Limin , Cui Hong
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Despite the importance of cognitive workload in examining the usability of smartphone applications and the popularity of smartphone usage globally, cognitive workload as one attribute of usability tends to be overlooked in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) studies. Moreover, limited studies that have examined the cognitive workload aspect often measured some summative workloads using subjective measures (e.g., questionnaires). A significant limitation of subjective measures is that they can only assess the overall, subject-perceived cognitive workload after the procedures/tasks have been completed. Such measurements do not reflect the real-time workload fluctuation during the procedures. The reliability of some devices on a smartphone setting has not been thoroughly evaluated.

Methods

This study used mixed methods to empirically study the reliability of an eye-tracking device (i.e., Tobii Pro Nano) and a low-cost electroencephalogram (EEG) device (i.e., MUSE 2) for detecting real-time cognitive workload changes during N-back tasks.

Results

Results suggest that the EEG measurements collected by MUSE 2 are not very useful as indicators of cognitive workload changes in our setting, eye movement measurements collected by Tobii Pro Nano with mobile testing accessory are useful for monitoring cognitive workload fluctuations and tracking down interface design issues in a smartphone setting, and more specifically, the maximum pupil diameter is the preeminent indicator of cognitive workload surges.

Discussion

In conclusion, the pupil diameter measure combined with other subjective ratings would provide a comprehensive user experience assessment of mobile applications. They can also be used to verify the successfulness of a user interface design solution in improving user experience.
E-prop on SpiNNaker 2: Exploring online learning in spiking RNNs on neuromorphic hardware
Authors: Rostami Amirhossein , Vogginger Bernhard , Yan Yexin , Mayr Christian G.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

In recent years, the application of deep learning models at the edge has gained attention. Typically, artificial neural networks (ANNs) are trained on graphics processing units (GPUs) and optimized for efficient execution on edge devices. Training ANNs directly at the edge is the next step with many applications such as the adaptation of models to specific situations like changes in environmental settings or optimization for individuals, e.g., optimization for speakers for speech processing. Also, local training can preserve privacy. Over the last few years, many algorithms have been developed to reduce memory footprint and computation.

Methods

A specific challenge to train recurrent neural networks (RNNs) for processing sequential data is the need for the Back Propagation Through Time (BPTT) algorithm to store the network state of all time steps. This limitation is resolved by the biologically-inspired E-prop approach for training Spiking Recurrent Neural Networks (SRNNs). We implement the E-prop algorithm on a prototype of the SpiNNaker 2 neuromorphic system. A parallelization strategy is developed to split and train networks on the ARM cores of SpiNNaker 2 to make efficient use of both memory and compute resources. We trained an SRNN from scratch on SpiNNaker 2 in real-time on the Google Speech Command dataset for keyword spotting.

Result

We achieved an accuracy of 91.12% while requiring only 680 KB of memory for training the network with 25 K weights. Compared to other spiking neural networks with equal or better accuracy, our work is significantly more memory-efficient.

Discussion

In addition, we performed a memory and time profiling of the E-prop algorithm. This is used on the one hand to discuss whether E-prop or BPTT is better suited for training a model at the edge and on the other hand to explore architecture modifications to SpiNNaker 2 to speed up online learning. Finally, energy estimations predict that the SRNN can be trained on SpiNNaker2 with 12 times less energy than using a NVIDIA V100 GPU.
Effects of arabinoxylan and chlorogenic acid on the intestinal microbiota in dextran sulfate sodium–treated mice
Authors: Xie Minhao , Zhang Xianzhu , Wang Xiaoxiao , Chen Guijie , Liu Jianhui , Zeng Xiaoxiong , Yang Wenjian
Published: November 2022

Dietary non-starch polysaccharides and phenolics are usually ingested at the same time. They are both regarded as prebiotics, and they regulate the intestinal microbiota through various mechanisms. Notably, however, reports of their combined or synergistic effects are rare. Arabinoxylan (AX), a polysaccharide, and chlorogenic acid (CA), a polyphenol, are widely consumed, and their effects on the microbiota have previously been discussed. In the present study, they were given to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)–treated mice, separately and together, and the intestinal microbiota were investigated by high-throughput sequencing. The data showed that CA attenuated body weight loss, colon shortening, and histological damage in DSS-treated mice, while neither AX nor the AX+CA combination exhibited any ameliorating potential. AX+CA had less of a modulating effect on intestinal microbiota profiles than did CA. AX+CA administration increased the relative abundance of Flavonifractor, Coprobacillus, and Clostridium_XlVa, and decreased the abundance of Robinsoniella and Lactobacillus. Compared to AX and CA, AX+CA contributed to a more complicated shift in the biological functions of the intestinal microbiotaAX seemed to weaken the beneficial effects of CA, at least in the present experimental model of DSS-induced colitis. The combined effects and mechanisms of dietary polysaccharides and phenolic compounds on the intestinal microbiota and on overall health still need to be further investigated.
A prognostic signature based on adenosine metabolism related genes for ovarian cancer
Authors: Liang Weifeng , Zhou Chao , Wang Jingshu , Zhao Jing , Liu Fang , Wang Guoqiang , Xu Chunwei , Zhang Yuzi , Wang Wenxian , Cai Shangli , Han Yusheng , Chang Lei , Zhang Peihai
Published: November 2022

Background

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common cause of cancer death in women due to its late diagnosis and susceptibility to drug resistance. Adenosine (ADO) signaling plays a key role in immune activity and tumor progression. In this study, we constructed a signature of ADO metabolism related genes expression in patients with ovarian cancer.

Methods

A total of 372 ovarian cancer patients from TCGA was used as training set and 1,137 patients from six GEO datasets were as validation set. The gene expression and drug response inhibitory concentration values for ovarian cancer cell line from GDSC were used for drug sensitivity analysis. The non-negative matrix factorization algorithm and ssGSVA were used to construct the ADO score.

Results

Patients with high ADO score had shorter overall survival (OS) than those with low ADO score in both training set (HR = 1.42, 95% CI, 1.06-1.88) and validation sets (pooled HR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.02-1.51). In GSEA analysis, genes in ATP synthesis related pathways were enriched in the low ADO score group (adjusted P value = 0.02). Further, we observed that the high ADO score group had significantly higher levels of most cancer hallmark signatures (all adjusted P values < 0.01) and T cell dysfunction and exclusion signatures than the low ADO score group (all adjusted P values < 0.001). Patients with lower ADO score tended to be sensitive to common drugs including Olaparib and Paclitaxel (adjusted P values = 0.05 and 0.04, respectively).

Conclusions

In conclusion, the established ADO signature could be used as a prognostic biomarker to stratify ovarian cancer patients and had the potential to guide the drug exploitation and personalized therapy selection.
Reduced tumor stiffness quantified by tomoelastography as a predicative marker for glypican-3-positive hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yihuan , Guo Jing , Ma Di , Zhou Jiahao , Yang Yuchen , Chen Yongjun , Wang Huafeng , Sack Ingolf , Li Ruokun , Yan Fuhua
Published: November 2022

Background

Glypican-3 (GPC3) expression is investigated as a promising target for tumor-specific immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to determine whether GPC3 alters the viscoelastic properties of HCC and whether tomoelastography, a multifrequency magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) technique, is sensitive to it.

Methods

Ninety-five participants (mean age, 58 ± 1 years; 78 men and 17 women) with 100 pathologically confirmed HCC lesions were enrolled in this prospective study from July 2020 to August 2021. All patients underwent preoperative multiparametric MRI and tomoelastography. Tomoelastography provided shear wave speed (c, m/s) representing tissue stiffness and loss angle (φ, rad) relating to viscosity. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging parameters were compared between GPC3-positive and -negative groups. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed to determine factors associated with GPC3-positive HCC. The diagnostic performance of combined biomarkers was established using logistic regression analysis. Area-under-the-curve (AUC) analysis was done to assess diagnostic performance in detecting GPC3-positive HCC.

Findings

GPC3-positive HCCs (n=72) had reduced stiffness compared with GPC3-negative HCCs (n=23) while viscosity was not different (c: 2.34 ± 0.62 versus 2.72 ± 0.62 m/s, P=0.010, φ: 1.11 ± 0.21 vs 1.18 ± 0.27 rad, P=0.21). Logistic regression showed c and elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level above 20 ng/mL were independent factors for GPC3-positive HCC. Stiffness with a cutoff of c = 2.8 m/s in conjunction with an elevated AFP yielded a sensitivity of 80.3%, specificity of 70.8%, and AUC of 0.80.

Interpretation

Reduced stiffness quantified by tomoelastography may be a mechanical signature of GPC3-positive HCC. Combining reduced tumor stiffness and elevated AFP level may provide potentially valuable biomarker for GPC3-targeted immunotherapy.
Impact of mutations in epigenetic modifiers in acute myeloid leukemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Al-Bulushi Fatma , Al-Riyami Rahma , Al-Housni Zainab , Al-Abri Bushra , Al-Khabori Murtadha
Published: November 2022

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the prognostic significance of epigenetic mutations on the overall survival (OS) in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). We searched for studies evaluating epigenetic mutations in AML (up to November 2018) in PubMed, Trip database and Cochrane library. Hazard ratio (HR) of outcomes were extracted, and random-effects model was used to pool the results. A total of 10,002 citations were retrieved from the search strategy; 42 articles were identified for the meta-analysis (ASXL1 = 7, TET2 = 8, DNMT3A = 12, IDH =15), with fair to good-quality studies. The pooled HR was 1.88 (95% CI: 1.49−2.36) for ASXL1 mutation, 1.39 (95% CI: 1.18−1.63) for TET2 mutation, 1.35 (95% CI 1.16-1.56) for DNMT3a and 1.54 (95% CI: 1.15-2.06) for IDH mutation. However, there was a substantial heterogeneity in the DNMT3a and IDH studies. In conclusion epigenetic mutations in ASXL1, TET2, DNMT3a and IDH adversely impact OS in patients with AML albeit with considerable heterogeneity and possibly publication bias. Further studies are required to address these limitations.
Biomarkers of gut injury in neonates – where are we in predicting necrotising enterocolitis?
Authors: Howarth Claire , Banerjee Jayanta , Eaton Simon , Aladangady Narendra
Published: November 2022

Despite advances in neonatal care Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC) continues to have a significant mortality and morbidity rate, and with increasing survival of those more immature infants the population at risk of NEC is increasing. Ischaemia, reperfusion, and inflammation underpin diseases affecting intestinal blood flow causing gut injury including Necrotising Enterocolitis. There is increasing interest in tissue biomarkers of gut injury in neonates, particularly those representing changes in intestinal wall barrier and permeability, to determine whether these could be useful biomarkers of gut injury. This article reviews current and newly proposed markers of gut injury, the available literature evidence, recent advances and considers how effective they are in clinical practice. We discuss each biomarker in terms of its effectiveness in predicting NEC onset and diagnosis or predicting NEC severity and then those that will aid in surveillance and identifying those infants are greatest risk of developing NEC.
The role and mechanisms of miRNA in neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Cai Linghao , Lai Dengming , Gao Jiafang , Wu Hao , Shi Bo , Ji Haosen , Tou Jinfa
Published: November 2022

Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), the most significant causes of neonatal mortality, is a disease of acute intestinal inflammation. At present, it is not clear exactly how the disease is caused, but it has been suggested that this disorder is a result of a complex interaction among prematurity, enteral feeding and inappropriate pro-inflammation response and bacterial infection of the intestine. A microRNA (miRNA) is a class of endogenous non-coding single-stranded RNA that is about 23 nucleotides long engaging in the regulation of the gene expression. Recently, numerous studies have determined that abnormal miRNA expression plays important roles in various diseases, including NEC. Here, we summarized the role of miRNAs in NEC. We introduce the biosynthetic and function of miRNAs and then describe the possible mechanisms of miRNAs in the initiation and development of NEC, including their influence on the intestinal epithelial barrier's function and regulation of the inflammatory process. Finally, this review aids in a comprehensive understanding of the current miRNA to accurately predict the diagnosis of NEC and provide ideas to find potential therapeutic targets of miRNA for NEC. In conclusion, our aims are to highlight the close relationship between miRNAs and NEC and to summarize the practical value of developing diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets of NEC.