bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Interpretative Structural Modelling (ISM) In The Development of Barokah Chips on The Scale of The Household Industry In Unaaha District, Konawe Regency
Authors: Heriyanto Heriyanto , Sarinah Sarinah , Rosmawaty Rosmawaty
Published: November 2022

This study aims to determine the planning of implementing strategic policies in the development of Barokah chips. The method used in this research is Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) with this approach can determine the relationship between elements in the system. The results of this study are the factors are divided into four levels and are included in the autonomous, dependent, linkage, and independent sectors. The key factors that influence are all elements of actor factors/elements, constraints, needs and goals, one of which plays an important role in actor/stakeholder elements, namely farmers, traders, consumers, cooperatives and UMKM offices, financial institutions and the industry and trade offices as well as the consistency percentage results obtained. obtained from each element.
Effect of Interaction Straw Mulch and Organic Plus Fertilizer on Growth Soybean (Glycine max L.)
Authors: Nirdahayu Nirdahayu , Safuan La Ode , Afa La Ode , Kade Sutariati1 Gusti Ayu
Published: November 2022

The research aims to determine the interaction effect of the dose of straw mulch and organic plus fertilizer on the growth of soybean (Glycine max L.) on marginal dry land. This research was conducted from August to December 2021 at the research area of the Agriculture Faculty, Halu Oleo University, Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi. The research design used was a Split Plot arranged in a Randomized Block Design. The main plot was straw mulch (M) consisting of three levels, i.e., without straw mulch (M0), 4 tons ha-1 (M1), and 8 tons ha-1(M2); and Sub-plots were plus organic fertilizer (P) consisting of four levels, namely without plus organic fertilizer (P0); 2.5 tons ha-1(P1); 5 tons ha-1, (P2); and 7.5 tons ha-1 (P3). The measured variable is plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, dry weight of root, dry weight of shoot, and . The analysis of data using ANOVA, if The result of significant (Fhit> Ftab) continues with the DMRT test on α=0.05. The results showed that the treatment of Straw mulch 8 tons ha-1 and organic fertilizer 7.5 tons ha-1 resulted in the highest soybean growth.
Insights and future directions for the application of perinatal derivatives in eye diseases: A critical review of preclinical and clinical studies
Authors: Norte-Muñoz María , Botelho Maria Filomena , Schoeberlein Andreina , Chaves João , Neto Murta Joaquim , Ponsaerts Peter , Agudo-Barriuso Marta , Costa Esmeralda
Published: November 2022

Perinatal derivatives (PnD) are gaining interest as a source for cell-based therapies. Since the eye is easily accessible to local administration, eye diseases may be excellent candidates to evaluate novel therapeutic approaches. With this work, we performed a systematic review of published preclinical and clinical studies addressing PnD in the treatment of ocular diseases. We have set two specific objectives: (i) to investigate the current level of standardization in applied technical procedures in preclinical studies and (ii) to assess clinical efficacy in clinical trials. Hereto, we selected studies that applied amniotic membrane (hAM) and mesenchymal stromal cells derived from amniotic membrane (hAMSC), placenta (hPMSC), umbilical cord (hUC-MSC) and Wharton’s Jelly (hUC-WJ-MSC), excluding those where cells were not transplanted individually, following a systematic PubMed search for preclinical studies and consultation of clinical studies on https://clinicaltrials.gov and https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/. Our bibliographic search retrieved 26 pre-clinical studies and 27 clinical trials. There was a considerable overlap regarding targeted ocular structures. Another common feature is the marked tendency towards (i) locally administered treatments and (ii) the PnD type. In the cornea/ocular surface, hAM was preferred and usually applied directly covering the ocular surface. For neuroretinal disorders, intra-ocular injection of umbilical or placental-derived cells was preferred. In general, basic research reported favourable outcomes. However, due to lack of standardization between different studies, until now there is no clear consensus regarding the fate of administered PnD or their mode of action. This might be accountable for the low index of clinical translation. Regarding clinical trials, only a minority provided results and a considerable proportion is in “unknown status”. Nevertheless, from the limited clinical evidence available, hAM proved beneficial in the symptomatic relief of bullous keratopathy, treating dry eye disease and preventing glaucoma drainage device tube exposure. Regarding neuroretinal diseases, application of Wharton’s Jelly MSC seems to become a promising future approach. In conclusion, PnD-based therapies seem to be beneficial in the treatment of several ocular diseases. However, much is yet to be done both in the pre-clinical and in the clinical setting before they can be included in the daily ophthalmic practice.
DNA5mC Regulator-Mediated Molecular Clusters and Tumor Microenvironment Signatures in Glioblastoma
Authors: Yu Xinyu , Che Yijun , Li Weiyang , Zhang Peng , Yu Yunhu , Chen Jialin , Gong Ting , Cao Fang
Published: November 2022

Growing evidence links DNA methylation to tumor immunity. The impact of DNA methylation (5 mC) on the microenvironment surrounding tumors and immunotherapy remains to be clarified. Through clustering gene expression of 20 DNA methylation regulators, this study aimed at systematically analyzing DNA methylation regulator patterns and tumor microenvironment characteristics of TCGA-GBM patients. Various subtypes of glioblastoma exhibit different tumor microenvironments and DNA methylation patterns. Each DNA methylation modification was then assigned a DNA methylation score (DMS). High DMS was associated with a good prognosis. In contrast, the low DMS group had a relatively low survival rate. A correlation was also found between high DMS and enhanced immunotherapy efficacy in two immune checkpoint blocking treatment cohorts. To conclude, identifying DNA methylation regulation patterns may prove critical to understanding glioblastoma progression and differentiation, as well as future therapeutic targets.
Aging phenomena in non-crosslinked polyolefin blend cable insulation material: Electrical treeing and thermal aging
Authors: Lunzhi Li , Jinghui Gao , Lisheng Zhong , Kai Zhang , Xiaohan Zhao
Published: November 2022

Non-crosslinked polyolefin blends have become a favorable alternative material to crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) cable insulation owing to their low power consumption in the production process and good recyclability at the end of service life. Although studies on non-crosslinked materials have achieved significant results, the electrical and thermal aging properties of these materials undeniably need extensive research attention and systematic exploration. Aging performance is directly related to the lifetime and reliability of cables. In this study, the electrical treeing and thermal aging phenomena of 70 wt.% linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and 30 wt.% high-density polyethylene (HDPE) blends (abbreviated as 70L–30H) were studied and compared with those of XLPE by investigating the microstructural feature, electrical treeing behavior, and mechanical performance during thermal aging. Electrical treeing tests show that 70L–30H blends exhibited smaller treeing dimensions and lower electrical tree growth rates than those of XLPE. Thermal aging tests exhibit that the mechanical property degradation of 70L–30H blends is less than that of XLPE under the same aging time. Through differential scanning calorimetry analysis and microstructure observation, the 70L–30H blend shows higher melting temperature, thicker lamellae, and higher crystallinity with a uniform and fine spherulite structure, which are responsible for good anti-aging performance. This study indicates that the blends exhibit better electrical and thermal aging resistance than XLPE, which provides a performance guarantee for its further application in the non-crosslinked cable system.
Lyophilization process engineering and thermostability of ID93 + GLA-SE, a single-vial adjuvanted subunit tuberculosis vaccine candidate for use in clinical studies
Authors: Dutill Timothy S. , Archer Michelle C. , McCollum Joseph , Press Chris , McNeill Lisa , Hawkins Linda , Phan Tony , Laursen Erik D. , Cabullos Richard , Bouchard Lisa , Castro Regie J. , Lin Mong-Wu , Roco Jeralyn , Blois Cecile , Adeagbo Babatunde A. , Guderian Jeffrey A. , Gerhardt Alana , Beckmann Anna Marie , Trappler Edward H. , Kramer Ryan M. , Fox Christopher B.
Published: November 2022

Promising clinical efficacy results have generated considerable enthusiasm for the potential impact of adjuvant-containing subunit tuberculosis vaccines. The development of a thermostable tuberculosis vaccine formulation could have significant benefits on both the cost and feasibility of global vaccine distribution. The tuberculosis vaccine candidate ID93 + GLA-SE has reached Phase 2 clinical testing, demonstrating safety and immunogenicity as a two-vial point-of-care mixture. Earlier publications have detailed efforts to develop a lead candidate single-vial lyophilized thermostable ID93 + GLA-SE vaccine formulation. The present report describes the lyophilization process development and scale-up of the lead candidate thermostable ID93 + GLA-SE composition. The manufacture of three full-scale engineering batches was followed by one batch made and released under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). Up to 4.5 years of stability data were collected. The cGMP lyophilized ID93 + GLA-SE passed all manufacturing release test criteria and maintained stability for at least 3 months when stored at 37°C and up to 24 months when stored at 5°C. This work represents the first advancement of a thermostable adjuvant-containing subunit tuberculosis vaccine to clinical testing readiness.
Women’s learning motivations: Qualitative inquiry of doctoral students in civil engineering
Authors: Dos Santos Luis Miguel
Published: November 2022

Professional practice and engineering education are important developments in the field of engineering. Based on Social Cognitive Career and Motivation Theory, this study aims to understand the motivations, reasons, and career decisions of doctoral students of civil engineering. Specifically, the researcher aims to understand the motivations and reasons that may influence students’ decision-making processes, particularly those of women, in regard to joining a doctoral degree programme in engineering. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was utilised in this study, with three interview sessions and one focus group activity employed for data collection. The findings indicate that achievements regarding education and career goals (becoming leading engineers and engineering educators), interests in career development (achieving advanced qualifications to obtain higher leadership positions), and the importance of surrounding environments and individuals (integral to One Belt One Road opportunities) are the main motivations and sense-making elements in regard to career decisions. Government leaders, human resources planners, department heads, university leaders, organisational managers, and other researchers may use this study as a blueprint to reform and improve their human resources management and engineering education schemes based on the recommendations and desires of scientists.
Nutritional support for a person with type 1 diabetes undertaking endurance swimming
Authors: Rilstone Siân , Spurway Paul , Oliver Nick , Hill Neil E.
Published: November 2022

Long distance and open water swimming have increased in popularity over recent years. Swimming a long distance in lakes, rivers and the sea present numerous challenges, including cold water exposure and maintaining adequate nutritional intake to fuel exercising muscles. Guidelines exist outlining issues to consider and potential solutions to overcome the difficulties in feeding athletes. Exercising with type 1 diabetes adds further complexity, mostly around matching insulin to the recommended high carbohydrate intake, but also because of the way in which higher circulating insulin levels affect glucose utilisation and fat oxidation. This paper describes the nutritional considerations for people with type 1 diabetes intending to undertake long distance open water events, and insulin management suggestions to trial alongside. In addition, we include personal testimony from a swimmer with type 1 diabetes describing the challenges and considerations he faced when undertaking marathon swimming.
The predictive value of trunk/leg fat ratio for type 2 diabetes mellitus remission after bariatric surgery: A new observation and insight
Authors: Cui Beibei , Li Weizheng , Wang Guohui , Li Pengzhou , Zhu Liyong , Zhu Shaihong
Published: November 2022

Background

Emerging evidence supported the significant role of body composition and fat distribution in the etiology and pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Objective

To assess the predictive value of representative parameters of body composition and fat distribution for T2DM remission after bariatric surgery.

Methods

A total of 72 patients with T2DM who underwent bariatric surgery in our center between September 2010 and December 2018 were included in this retrospective observational study. Diabetes remission was defined according to the American Diabetes Association criteria released in 2021. Body fat percentage, skeletal muscle index, Android/Gynoid ratio and trunk/leg fat ratio were derived from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and assessed.

Results

A total of 40 patients (56%) achieved remission among 72 patients. Patients in the remission group had higher body fat percentage and lower trunk/leg fat ratio than those in the non-remission group. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for predicting T2DM remission was higher for trunk/leg fat ratio (0.784), compared to BMI (AUC 0. 0.690) and body fat percentage (AUC 0.688). The prediction model (AUC 0.883) including age, duration of T2DM, and trunk/leg fat ratio performed better than the ABCD score (AUC 0.809) and the DiaRem score (AUC 0.792). A nonlinear relationship was observed between trunk/leg fat ratio and BMI.

Conclusion

Trunk/leg fat ratio is a promising predictor for T2DM remission after bariatric surgery.
A sequential game-play modelling on forest-title mortgage loans based on Chinese forester resource and assets valuation
Authors: Xu Lu , Strielkowski Wadim , Liu Xijing , Schneider Nicolas , Zhao Xin
Published: November 2022

Forest management has become a critical strategic action because of forests’ diverse role in the nature conservation and bio-economic benefits. Forest-title mortgage loan (hereafter abbreviated as “the loan”) which is one of forest management methods not only transforms the “sleeping” resources of a forester in her/his forest into assets mortgageable for cash, but also plays a key role in alleviating the shortage of funds that a forester might encounter, promoting financial innovations, and protecting forest resources. As such, this paper examines the problem of the low limit placed on this loan in China, and draws the following conclusion from employing the dynamic game method comprising complete information: in the actual mortgage market where banks hold an absolute advantage in issuing mortgage loans to the borrower (whether or not a forester acting as the borrower here applies for this loan from the bank through using an asset-appraisal agency) the amount of loan approved for the forester is going to be lower than the actual market value of the forest-resource assets that the forester owns. At the same time, based on the above conclusion, this paper proposes certain suggestions regarding how to raise the limit of this loan for the forester. These suggestions include proposals pertinent to the governmental policy support, introduction of innovative credit products developed by the banks, as well as the elaboration on how foresters could integrate their forest-resource assets by using cooperatives and launching scaled productions.
Exploring dynamic change in arterial base excess with patient outcome and lactate clearance in the intensive care unit by hierarchical time-series clustering
Authors: Li Dongkai , Liu Shengjun , Zhang Jiahui , Cheng Wei , Mao Jiayu , Cui Na
Published: November 2022

Background

Hyperlactatemia is common in the intensive care unit (ICU) and relevant to prognosis, while the process of lactate normalization requires a relatively long period. We hypothesized that the dynamic change in base excess (BE) would be associated with ICU mortality and lactate clearance.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with hyperlactatemia admitted to the ICU from 2016 to 2021. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether the peak BE in 12 h was reached in the first 6 h. We compared ICU mortality and lactate clearance at 6 and 12 h after ICU admission.

Results

During the study period, 1,608 patients were admitted to the ICU with a lactate concentration of >2.0 mmol/L and stayed in the ICU for >24 h. The mortality rate was 11.2%. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether the peak BE was reached in the first 6 h following ICU admission: Peak BE12h ≤ 6h and Peak BE12h > 6h. The patients were also recorded as whether bicarbonate treatment was received (bicarbonate group, CRRT included) or not (non-bicarbonate group). Furthermore, lactic acid clearance patterns were identified by time-series clustering (TSC) using various algorithms and distance measures. We compared ICU mortality and lactate clearance at 6 and 12 h after ICU admission with logistic regression. After adjustment for other confounding factors, we found that Peak BE12h > 6h was independently associated with ICU mortality with an odds ratio of 2.231 (p = 0.036) in the bicarbonate group and 2.359 (p < 0.005) in the non-bicarbonate group. In addition, based on the definition of >10% lactate clearance at 6 h or >30% at 12 h, we found that Peak BE12h ≤ 6h had 85.2% sensitivity and 38.1% specificity for effective lactate clearance. In time-series clustering analysis, four categories were discriminated, and pattern of lactic acid clearance reveals the early prognostic value of BE in clearance of lactic acid.

Conclusion

A prolonged time to reaching the peak BE was independently associated with ICU mortality. In patients with hyperlactatemia, Peak BE12h ≤ 6h could be used as an indicator to predict effective lactate clearance.
An extremely rare case of malignant jejunal mesenteric inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in a 61-year-old male patient: A case report and literature review
Authors: Al Shenawi Hamdi , Al-Shaibani Salamah A. , Al Saad Suhair K. , Al-Sindi Fedaa , Al-Sindi Khalid , Al Shenawi Noor , Naguib Yahya , Yaghan Rami
Published: November 2022

Introduction

A mesenteric inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare solid tumor of intermediate malignant potential that affects children, adolescents, and young adults predominantly. IMT is mostly encountered in the lung. We report a case of malignant jejunal mesenteric IMT in a 61-year-old male patient who presented with vague abdominal pain and generalized weakness. CT scan revealed a mesenteric mass displacing the attached jejunum. Surgical resection was curative.

Discussion

An extensive literature review was performed to update and further analyze the already available data. A total of 35 cases with mesenteric IMT were reported previously. Only five cases of jejunal mesenteric IMT were reported. Mesenteric IMT demands vast effort to reveal the diagnosis due to its vagueness in the clinical presentation. Mesenteric IMT resembles each other in plenty of pathological and immunohistochemical characteristics.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of malignant jejunal mesenteric IMT in the elderly. Surgical resection was curative.
Evaluation of the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in vaginal and anal swabs of women with omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Liu Ding , Zhang Yunfu , Chen Dongfeng , Wang Xianhua , Huang Fuling , Long Ling , Zheng Xiuhui
Published: November 2022

Objectives

The study aimed to determine whether SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant could be detected in the vaginal fluid and anal swabs of reproductive-aged and postmenopausal women infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.

Methods

Included in this study were 63 women who were laboratory confirmed as having SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection and admitted to the responsible ward of Daping Hospital of at the National Exhibition and Convention Center(Shanghai) Makeshift Hospital from May 1–24, 2022.From them, vaginal and anal swabs were obtained with informed consent. The demographic and baseline clinical characteristics and the swab test results were analyzed.

Results

The 63 included patients ranged in age from 18 to 72 years with a median of 47.71 ± 15.21 years. Of them, 38 women (60.3%) were in their reproductive years. Most of the participants (77.8%) were healthy without significant underlying diseases. Fourteen patients (22.2%) had asymptomatic infection and the remaining 49 (77.8%) had mild infection. The upper respiratory tract symptoms including cough (40/63.5%) and sore throat (18/28.6%)were the most common clinical manifestations of these mildly infected patients. Only 5 patients (7.8%) had gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, including simple diarrhea in 4 patients, and diarrhea with vomiting in one patient. Pharyngeal,vaginal and anal swabs were collected simultaneously from all 63 patients 8–16 (mean 11.25 ± 2.23) days after SARS-Cov-2 Omicron variant infection. The vaginal swabs were negative for SARS-CoV-2 in all 63 patients, and the anal swabs were positive in 4 patients (6.5%). The overall median hospitalization duration was 16.73 ± 3.16 days.

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggest that there is a low possibility of SARS-Cov-2 Omicron variant transmission via the digestive tract and vaginal fluid. The correlation between the GI symptoms and the presence of viral RNA in anal swabs is uncertain.
RpoS contributes in a host-dependent manner to Salmonella colonization of the leaf apoplast during plant disease
Authors: Lovelace Amelia H. , Chen Hsiao-Chun , Lee Sangwook , Soufi Ziad , Bota Pedro , Preston Gail M. , Kvitko Brian H.
Published: November 2022

Contaminated fresh produce has been routinely linked to outbreaks of Salmonellosis. Multiple studies have identified Salmonella enterica factors associated with successful colonization of diverse plant niches and tissues. It has also been well documented that S. enterica can benefit from the conditions generated during plant disease by host-compatible plant pathogens. In this study, we compared the capacity of two common S. enterica research strains, 14028s and LT2 (strain DM10000) to opportunistically colonize the leaf apoplast of two model plant hosts Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana during disease. While S. enterica 14028s benefited from co-colonization with plant-pathogenic Pseudomonas syringae in both plant hosts, S. enterica LT2 was unable to benefit from Pto co-colonization in N. benthamiana. Counterintuitively, LT2 grew more rapidly in ex planta N. benthamiana apoplastic wash fluid with a distinctly pronounced biphasic growth curve in comparison with 14028s. Using allelic exchange, we demonstrated that both the N. benthamiana infection-depedent colonization and apoplastic wash fluid growth phenotypes of LT2 were associated with mutations in the S. enterica rpoS stress-response sigma factor gene. Mutations of S. enterica rpoS have been previously shown to decrease tolerance to oxidative stress and alter metabolic regulation. We identified rpoS-dependent alterations in the utilization of L-malic acid, an abundant carbon source in N. benthamiana apoplastic wash fluid. We also present data consistent with higher relative basal reactive oxygen species (ROS) in N. benthamiana leaves than in A. thaliana leaves. The differences in basal ROS may explain the host-dependent disease co-colonization defect of the rpoS-mutated LT2 strain. Our results indicate that the conducive environment generated by pathogen modulation of the apoplast niche can vary from hosts to host even with a common disease-compatible pathogen.
Identification of hub genes regulating the cell activity and function of adipose-derived stem cells under oxygen-glucose deprivation
Authors: Yang Zhenyu , Lu Wei , Qi Zuoliang , Yang Xiaonan
Published: November 2022

While oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) has been widely utilized in many cell lines to mimic certain biological changes, it has yet to be validated in mesenchymal stem cells. We performed RNA sequencing on adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) under hypoxic and glucose-free conditions after 4 h and 8 h. A total of 335 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the two OGD groups compared with the normal control group, consisting of 292 upregulated and 43 downregulated genes. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses indicated that DEGs are mainly involved in metabolic processes, programmed cell death, and DNA-binding transcription activator activity. Protein‒protein interaction and hub gene analysis revealed various potential hub genes, in which response to oxygen levels, the IL-17-related biological function and the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 signaling pathway have been of vital importance. In summary, changes in transcription factor activity may play pivotal roles in oxygen-glucose deprivation. Through RNA sequencing, we have a deeper understanding of the changes in ADSCs after OGD treatment, providing more precise insight into predicting and regulating the stemness of ADSCs.
On the scaling properties of oscillatory modes with balanced energy
Authors: Dotov Dobromir G
Published: November 2022

Animal bodies maintain themselves with the help of networks of physiological processes operating over a wide range of timescales. Many physiological signals are characterized by 1/fscaling where the amplitude is inversely proportional to frequency, presumably reflecting the multi-scale nature of the underlying network. Although there are many general theories of such scaling, it is less clear how they are grounded on the specific constraints faced by biological systems. To help understand the nature of this phenomenon, we propose to pay attention not only to the geometry of scaling processes but also to their energy. The first key assumption is that physiological action modes constitute thermodynamic work cycles. This is formalized in terms of a theoretically defined oscillator with dissipation and energy-pumping terms. The second assumption is that the energy levels of the physiological action modes are balanced on average to enable flexible switching among them. These ideas were addressed with a modelling study. An ensemble of dissipative oscillators exhibited inverse scaling of amplitude and frequency when the individual oscillators’ energies are held equal. Furthermore, such ensembles behaved like the Weierstrass function and reproduced the scaling phenomenon. Finally, the question is raised whether this kind of constraint applies both to broadband aperiodic signals and periodic, narrow-band oscillations such as those found in electrical cortical activity.
Cerebral activity manipulation of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in post-stroke patients with cognitive impairment
Authors: Yingli Bi , Zunke Gong , Wei Chen , Shiyan Wang
Published: November 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI).

Methods

Thirty-six PSCI patients were randomly divided into treatment and control groups of equal size. Both groups were pre-treated with conventional cognitive rehabilitation training. Subsequently, the treatment group was exposed to 1 Hz low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulations for 8 weeks, with 5 days per week. Meanwhile, the control group was treated with placebo stimulations. Patients were evaluated via the LOTCA scale assessments and changes in P300 latencies and amplitudes before and after 8 weeks of treatment.

Results

Before treatment, there were no significant differences between the two groups in LOTCA scores, P300 latencies, and amplitudes (P > 0.05). After treatment, LOTCA scores for both groups improved (P < 0.05), and those of the treatment group were higher than those of the control (P < 0.05). For both groups, P300 latencies were not only shortened but also had greater amplitudes (P < 0.05), and those for the treatment group were significantly shorter and larger than those of the control (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

As a therapy, rTMS improved cognitive function in PSCI patients, possibly via regulation of neural electrical activity of the cerebral cortex.
Application of pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling perfusion imaging in children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Ye Fang , Du Lei , Liu Bing , Gao Xinying , Yang Aocai , Liu Die , Chen Yue , Lv Kuan , Xu Pengfei , Chen Yuanmei , Liu Jing , Zhang Lipeng , Li Shijun , Shmuel Amir , Zhang Qi , Ma Guolin
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Pseudocontinuous Arterial Spin Labeling (pCASL) perfusion imaging allows non-invasive quantification of regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) as part of a multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol. This study aimed to compare regional CBF in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) individuals with their age-matched typically developing (TD) children using pCASL perfusion imaging.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled 17 individuals with ASD and 13 TD children. All participants underwent pCASL examination on a 3.0 T MRI scanner. Children in two groups were assessed for clinical characteristics and developmental profiles using Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) and Gesell development diagnosis scale (GDDS), respectively. We compared CBF in different cerebral regions of ASD and TD children. We also assessed the association between CBF and clinical characteristics/developmental profile.

Results

Compared with TD children, individuals with ASD demonstrated a reduction in CBF in the left frontal lobe, the bilateral parietal lobes, and the bilateral temporal lobes. Within the ASD group, CBF was significantly higher in the right parietal lobe than in the left side. Correlation analysis of behavior characteristics and CBF in different regions showed a positive correlation between body and object domain scores on the ABC and CBF of the bilateral occipital lobes, and separately, between language domain scores and CBF of the left frontal lobe. The score of the social and self-help domain was negatively correlated with the CBF of the left frontal lobe, the left parietal lobe, and the left temporal lobe.

Conclusion

Cerebral blood flow was found to be negatively correlated with scores in the social and self-help domain, and positively correlated with those in the body and object domain, indicating that CBF values are a potential MRI-based biomarker of disease severity in ASD patients. The findings may provide novel insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms of ASD.
Reproducing and quantitatively validating a biologically-constrained point-neuron model of CA1 pyramidal cells
Authors: Appukuttan Shailesh , Davison Andrew P.
Published: November 2022

We have attempted to reproduce a biologically-constrained point-neuron model of CA1 pyramidal cells. The original models, developed for the Brian simulator, captured the frequency-current profiles of both strongly and weakly adapting cells. As part of the present study, we reproduced the model for different simulators, namely Brian2 and NEURON. The reproductions were attempted independent of the original Brian implementation, relying solely on the published article. The different implementations were quantitatively validated, to evaluate how well they mirror the original model. Additional tests were developed and packaged into a test suite, that helped further characterize and compare various aspects of these models, beyond the scope of the original study. Overall, we were able to reproduce the core features of the model, but observed certain unaccountable discrepancies. We demonstrate an approach for undertaking these evaluations, using the SciUnit framework, that allows for such quantitative validations of scientific models, to verify their accurate replication and/or reproductions. All resources employed and developed in our study have been publicly shared via the EBRAINS Live Papers platform.
Intrinsic subtypes and therapeutic decision-making in hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer with visceral crisis: A case report
Authors: Schettini Francesco , Seguí Elia , Conte Benedetta , Sanfeliu Esther , Gonzalez-Farre Blanca , Jares Pedro , Vidal-Sicart Sergi , Ganau Sergi , Cebrecos Isaac , Brasó-Maristany Fara , Muñoz Montserrat , Prat Aleix , Vidal Maria
Published: November 2022

Background

CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDKi), namely, palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib, combined with either an aromatase inhibitor (AI) or fulvestrant are the standard first/second line for hormone receptor-positive(HR+)/HER2-negative(neg) metastatic breast cancer (MBC). However, the choice of one specific CDKi is arbitrary and based on the physician’s experience with the drug, toxicity profile, and patient’s preferences, whereas biomarkers for optimal patient selection have not been established so far. Moreover, upfront chemotherapy is still recommended in case of clinical presentation with visceral crisis, despite no evidence of superior benefit for chemotherapy regimens against CDKi-based regimens. Recent correlative biomarker analyses from pivotal trials of palbociclib and ribociclib showed that HR+/HER2-neg MBC might respond differently according to the molecular intrinsic subtype, with Luminal A and B tumors being sensitive to both CDKi, Basal-like being insensitive to endocrine therapy, irrespective of CDKi, and HER2-enriched tumors showing a benefit only with ribociclib-based therapy.

Clinical case

We hereby present a paradigmatic clinical case of a woman affected by a relapsed HR+/HER2-neg MBC with bone and nodal lesions, presenting with a visceral crisis in the form of lymphangitis carcinomatosis and diagnosed with a molecularly HER2-enriched tumor, successfully treated with upfront ribociclib + fulvestrant. The patient experienced a complete symptomatic and radiologic remission of the lymphangitis with a partial response as best response, according to RECIST 1.1 criteria. The progression-free survival (PFS) was of 20 months, in line with the median PFS observed in the ribociclib + fulvestrant pivotal trial, where, however, patients with visceral crisis had been excluded.

Conclusions

This clinical case confirms in the real-world setting that non-luminal subtypes can be found in HR+/HER2-neg disease and may have potential therapeutic implications in the metastatic setting. It also questions the recommendation of upfront chemotherapy in the case of a visceral crisis in the era of CDKi-based regimens. These issues merit further evaluation in prospective and larger studies.
Management of peritoneal surface metastases from colorectal cancer: Cytoreductive surgery, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, pressurized intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and beyond
Authors: Mangieri Christopher W. , Levine Edward A.
Published: November 2022

This article provides a contemporary review of the current surgical management of peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM) of colorectal origin. A brief review of the founding history of surgical intervention for PSM is followed by a focused review of the level I evidence, current clinical questions, and evolving advancements. While not intended to address all the facets of PSM, this review aims to provide the reader with the essential knowledge and resources to effectively provide surgical care for carcinomatosis due to colorectal malignancies.
The emerging roles and therapeutic potential of B cells in sepsis
Authors: Ma Chengyong , Liu Hanrui , Yang Shuo , Li Hong , Liao Xuelian , Kang Yan
Published: November 2022

Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome caused by anomalous host response to infection. The pathogenesis of sepsis is complex, and immune dysfunction is the central link in its occurrence and development. The sepsis immune response is not a local and transient process but a complex and continuous process involving all major cell types of innate and adaptive immunity. B cells are traditionally studied for their ability to produce antibodies in the context of mediating humoral immunity. However, over the past few years, B cells have been increasingly recognized as key modulators of adaptive and innate immunity, and they can participate in immune responses by presenting antigens, producing cytokines, and modulating other immune cells. Recently, increasing evidence links B-cell dysfunction to mechanisms of immune derangement in sepsis, which has drawn attention to the powerful properties of this unique immune cell type in sepsis. Here, we reviewed the dynamic alterations of B cells and their novel roles in animal models and patients with sepsis, and provided new perspectives for therapeutic strategies targeting B cells in sepsis.
Metamaterial characterization from far-field acoustic wave measurements using convolutional neural network
Authors: Cheong YeonJoon , Kwon Hyung-Suk , Popa Bogdan-Ioan
Published: November 2022

Identifying the material properties of unknown media is an important scientific/engineering challenge in areas as varied as in-vivo tissue health diagnostics and metamaterial characterization. Currently, techniques exist to retrieve the material parameters of large unknown media from elastic wave scattering in free-space using analytical or numerical methods. However, applying these methods to small samples on the order of few wavelengths in diameter is challenging, as the fields scattered by these samples become significantly contaminated by diffraction from the sample edges. Here, we propose a method to extract the material parameters of small samples using convolutional neural networks trained to learn the mapping between far-field echoes and the material parameters. Networks were trained with synthetic time domain echo data obtained by simulating the free-space scattering of sound from unknown media underwater. Results show that neural networks can accurately predict effective material parameters such as mass density, bulk modulus, and shear modulus even when small training sets are used. Furthermore, we demonstrate in experiments executed in a water tank that the networks trained with synthetic data can accurately estimate the material properties of fabricated metamaterial samples from single-point echo measurements performed in the far-field. This work highlights the effectiveness of our approach to identify unknown media using far-field acoustic reflection dominated by diffraction fields and will open a new avenue toward acoustic sensing techniques.
Response of root and root hair phenotypes of cotton seedlings under high temperature revealed with RhizoPot
Authors: Fan Cong , Hou Mingyu , Si Peng , Sun Hongchun , Zhang Ke , Bai Zhiying , Wang Guiyan , Li Cundong , Liu Liantao , Zhang Yongjiang
Published: November 2022

Driven by the increase in its frequency and duration, high temperature weather is increasingly seriously affecting crop development. High temperature inhibits the leaf development, flowering, and pollination of cotton, but its effects on the roots and root hair phenotypes and lifespans remain unclear. Thus, this study selected the two cotton varieties Nongda 601 (ND) and Guoxin 9 (GX) as materials and adopted the RhizoPot, an in situ root observation system, to investigate the effects of high temperature (38°C day and 32°C night) on the growth dynamics of the aboveground parts and root phenotypes of cotton at the seedling stage. The results showed that high temperature reduced the net photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content, decreased the dry matter accumulation and transfer to the root, and lowered the root-shoot ratio (R/S ratio). The root phenotypes changed significantly under high temperature. After 7 d of high temperature stress, the root lengths of ND and GX decreased by 78.14 mm and 59.64 mm, respectively. Their specific root lengths increased by 79.60% and 66.11%, respectively. Their specific root surface areas increased by 418.70 cm2·g-1 and 433.42 cm2·g-1, respectively. Their proportions of very fine roots increased to 99.26% and 97.16%, respectively. After the removal of high temperature (RHT), their root lengths tended to increase, and their proportions of very fine roots continued to increase. The root hairs of ND and GX were also significantly affected by high temperature. In particular, the root hair densities of ND and GX decreased by 52.53% and 56.25%, respectively. Their average root hair lengths decreased by 96.62% and 74.29%, respectively. Their root hair lifespans decreased by 7 d and 10 d, respectively. After the RHT, their average root hair lengths failed to recover. A principal component analysis indicated that the root architectures were significantly affected by root hair density, average root hair length, specific root length, and specific root surface area under high temperatures. In summary, cotton adapts to high temperature environments by increasing the specific root length, specific root surface area, and the proportions of very fine roots, and reducing the lifespan of root hairs.
Gall-specific promoter, an alternative to the constitutive CaMV35S promoter, drives host-derived RNA interference targeting Mi-msp2 gene to confer effective nematode resistance
Authors: Joshi Ila , Kumar Anil , Kohli Deshika , Bhattacharya Ramcharan , Sirohi Anil , Chaudhury Ashok , Jain Pradeep K.
Published: November 2022

One of the major obligate plant parasites causing massive economic crop losses belongs to the class of root-knot nematodes (RKNs). Targeting of major nematode parasitism genes via Host Delivered-RNAi (HD-RNAi) to confer silencing is established as one of the most effective approaches to curb nematode infection. Utilizing nematode-responsive root-specific (NRRS) promoters to design a dsRNA molecule targeting approach to hamper nematode parasitism. Here, a previously validated peroxidase gall specific promoter, pAt2g18140, from Arabidopsis was employed to express the dsRNA construct of the nematode effector gene Mi-msp2 from Meloidogyne incognita. Arabidopsis RNAi lines of CaMV35S::Mi-msp2-RNAi and pAt2g18140::Mi-msp2-RNAi were compared with control plants to assess the decrease in plant nematode infection. When subjected to infection, the maximum reductions in the numbers of galls, females and egg masses in the CaMV35S::Mi-msp2-RNAi lines were 61%, 66% and 95%, respectively, whereas for the pAt2g18140::Mi-msp2-RNAi lines, they were 63%, 68% and 100%, respectively. The reduction in transcript level ranged from 79%-82% for CaMV35S::Mi-msp2-RNAi and 72%-79% for the pAt2g18140::Mi-msp2-RNAi lines. Additionally, a reduction in female size and a subsequent reduction in next-generation fecundity demonstrate the efficacy and potential of the gall specific promoter pAt2g18140 for utilization in the development of HD-RNAi constructs against RKN, as an excellent alternative to the CaMV35S promoter.
Transcriptome and metabolome analyses reveal phenotype formation differences between russet and non-russet apples
Authors: Wang Ziqi , Liu Shasha , Huo Wenping , Chen Min , Zhang Yugang , Jiang Shenghui
Published: November 2022

The apple is an economically important fruit, and fruit russeting is not conducive to its appearance. Although studies have examined fruit russeting, its mechanism remains unclear. Two apple strains of the F1 hybrid population derived from ‘Fuji’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ were used in this study. We found that the skin of russet apples was rough and fissured, while that of non-russet apples was smooth and waxy. Chemical staining, LC- and GC-MS showed that both lignin and suberin were increased in russet apple skin. Meanwhile, genes involved in lignin and suberin synthetic pathways were upregulated in russet apple skin. Additionally, we found many differentially expressed genes (DEGs1) involved in hormone biosynthesis and signaling and stress responses in the two apple strains. We found that WRKY13 may influence russeting by regulating lignin synthesis. Our study identified several candidate metabolites and genes, which will provide a good foundation for further research.
TMT proteomics analysis of a pseudocereal crop, quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), during seed maturation
Authors: Shen Zhi-Jun , Xu Su-Xia , Huang Qing-Yun , Li Zi-Yang , Xu Yi-Ding , Lin Chun-Song , Huang Yi-Jin
Published: November 2022

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), an Andean native crop, is increasingly popular around the world due to its high nutritional content and stress tolerance. The production and the popularity of this strategic global food are greatly restricted by many limiting factors, such as seed pre-harvest sprouting, bitter saponin, etc. To solve these problems, the underlying mechanism of seed maturation in quinoa needs to be investigated. In this study, based on the investigation of morphological characteristics, a quantitative analysis of its global proteome was conducted using the combinational proteomics of tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). The proteome changes related to quinoa seed maturation conversion were monitored to aid its genetic improvement. Typical changes of morphological characteristics were discovered during seed maturation, including mean grain diameter, mean grain thickness, mean hundred-grain weight, palea, episperm color, etc. With TMT proteomics analysis, 581 differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) were identified. Functional classification analysis and Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that most DAPs involved in photosynthesis were downregulated, indicating low levels of photosynthesis. DAPs that participated in glycolysis, such as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, pyruvate decarboxylase, and alcohol dehydrogenase, were upregulated to fulfill the increasing requirement of energy consumption during maturation conversion. The storage proteins, such as globulins, legumins, vicilins, and oleosin, were also increased significantly during maturation conversion. Protein–protein interaction analysis and function annotation revealed that the upregulation of oleosin, oil body-associated proteins, and acyl-coenzyme A oxidase 2 resulted in the accumulation of oil in quinoa seeds. The downregulation of β-amyrin 28-oxidase was observed, indicating the decreasing saponin content, during maturation, which makes the quinoa “sweet”. By the PRM and qRT-PCR analysis, the expression patterns of most selected DAPs were consistent with the result of TMT proteomics. Our study enhanced the understanding of the maturation conversion in quinoa. This might be the first and most important step toward the genetic improvement of quinoa.