bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of single-pill amlodipine/losartan versus losartan in patients with inadequately controlled hypertension after losartan treatment: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized phase III clinical trial
Authors: Zhang Shuyang , Li Ying , Xu Xin , Xu Rui , Zhang Linchao , Wan Xiaoqun , Yao Zhuhua , Sun Yuemin , Liu Yong , Bin Jianping , Wang Zhen , Li Shuren , Yang Ping , Xu Xiping , Liang Weidong , Gao Xiaohong , Li Xiaodong , Jia Min , Ma Guang , Gu Xiang , Hong Chang
Published: June 2023

Objective

Single-pill amlodipine besylate (AML) plus losartan (LOS) has been used to treat inadequately controlled hypertension after antihypertensive monotherapy; however, relevant data in China are limited. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of single-pill AML/LOS and LOS alone in Chinese patients with inadequately controlled hypertension after LOS treatment.

Methods

In this multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled phase III clinical trial, patients with inadequately controlled hypertension after 4 weeks of LOS treatment were randomized to receive daily single-pill AML/LOS (5/100 mg, AML/LOS group, N = 154) or LOS (100 mg, LOS group, N = 153) tablets for 8 weeks. At weeks 4 and 8 of treatment, sitting diastolic and systolic blood pressure (sitDBP and sitSBP, respectively) and the BP target achievement rate were assessed.

Results

At week 8, the sitDBP change from baseline was greater in the AML/LOS group than in the LOS group (−8.84 ± 6.86 vs. −2.65 ± 7.62 mmHg, P < 0.001). In addition, the AML/LOS group also showed greater sitDBP change from baseline to week 4 (−8.77 ± 6.60 vs. −2.99 ± 7.05 mmHg) and sitSBP change from baseline to week 4 (−12.54 ± 11.65 vs. −2.36 ± 10.33 mmHg) and 8 (−13.93 ± 10.90 vs. −2.38 ± 12.71 mmHg) (all P < 0.001). Moreover, the BP target achievement rates at weeks 4 (57.1% vs. 25.3%, P < 0.001) and 8 (58.4% vs. 28.1%, P < 0.001) were higher in the AML/LOS group than those in the LOS group. Both treatments were safe and tolerable.

Conclusion

Single-pill AML/LOS is superior to LOS monotherapy for controlling BP and is safe and well tolerated in Chinese patients with inadequately controlled hypertension after LOS treatment.
Typhoons and their upper ocean response over South China Sea using COAWST model
Authors: Thankaswamy Anandh , Xian Tao , Wang Lian-Ping
Published: June 2023

The formation and intensification of typhoons is a complex process where energy and mass exchanges happen between the ocean and the atmosphere. In most typhoon numerical studies, a static ocean and a dynamic atmosphere are used to reduce the complexity of modeling. Using the COAWST model, we studied the air-sea interactions of Typhoon Mujigae in 2015, Typhoon Merbok in 2017, and Typhoon Hato in 2017 over the South China Sea. With different translation speeds, track shapes, and intensities between these cyclones, they act as an excellent case study to analyze the air-sea coupling in the models. The inclusion of coupling between the ocean and atmosphere is found to improve the typhoon track simulation significantly. The bias in the cyclone tracks is reduced by 10%–40% in the coupled model. The upper ocean response to the typhoon was also analyzed using the coupled model output. The coupled simulations show that the major energy extraction occurs to the right of the track, which is consistent with satellite observation and latent heat release analysis. The coupling process shows the air-sea interactions and exchanges in the upper ocean along with the energy released during the passage of typhoons. The heat budget analysis shows that the cooling of the upper ocean is mainly attributed to the advection associated with the typhoon forcing. This study shows that it is necessary to include ocean feedback while analyzing a typhoon, and the application of coupled models can improve our understanding as well as the forecasting capability of typhoons.
Eocene to Miocene paleoclimate reconstruction of the northern Tibetan Plateau: constraints from mineralogy, carbon and oxygen isotopes of lacustrine carbonates in the western Qaidam Basin
Authors: Li Shien , Liu Peixian , Guan Ping , Zhang Daowei , Xia Xiaomin , Ding Xiaonan , Zhang Chi , Zhang Jihua , Tang Jianzhou
Published: June 2023

The Cenozoic climatic evolution of the Tibetan Plateau (TP), together with its driving mechanism, have been a subject of interest for decades. This study presents detailed sedimentology, mineralogical (XRD), carbon, and oxygen isotope analyses of lacustrine deposits from the Eocene to the Miocene in the western Qaidam Basin, the northern TP. The petrological observation and XRD data of 109 samples reveal that the sediments are composed of mixed siliciclastic, carbonate, and evaporate minerals. And the carbonate isotopic results show negative δ13C (−7.49‰ to −3.41‰) and negative to slightly positive δ18 values (−14.65‰ to 0.2‰). Both isotopes display a positive correlation with the contents of carbonates and evaporates, which suggests that evaporation is the major controlling factor of carbon and oxygen isotope. Therefore, the isotopes can be used as reliable indicators of the intensity of evaporation for paleoclimatic reconstruction. The reconstruction results reveal three distinct arid stages: top of the lower Xiaganchaigou Formation to the upper Xiaganchaigou Formation (ca.40-32 Ma), bottom of the Xiayoushashan Formation (ca.22-20 Ma), top of the Shangyoushashan Formation (ca.13-8.2 Ma). We suggest that the aridity during ∼40-32 Ma may have been related to the regression of the Paratethys Sea and uplift of the TP, while the aridity during 22-20 Ma may have been caused by the uplift and denudation of the mountains around the basin. The aridity after ∼13 Ma could be attributed to both global cooling and tectonic events in the northern TP. Furthermore, by comparing the climate records of the Qaidam Basin with those of other basins in Central Asia, a regional correlation can be established between different basins during the first and third drought stages. This study reveals that during the Eocene to Miocene, the climate change between different regions in the Qaidam Basin was synchronized and had a good connection with the surrounding basins, which responded to global climate change and regional tectonic activities.
Ovarian stimulation and oocyte cryopreservation in females and transgender males aged 18 years or less: a systematic review
Authors: Slonim Marnie , Peate Michelle , Merigan Kira , Lantsberg Daniel , Anderson Richard A. , Stern Kate , Gook Debra , Jayasinghe Yasmin
Published: June 2023

Background

Fertility preservation is an important healthcare focus in the paediatric and adolescent population when gonadotoxic treatments are required. Ovarian stimulation (OS) resulting in oocyte cryopreservation is a well-established fertility preservation option in the adult population. It’s utility, however, is little known in young patients. The purpose of this review was to synthesise the available literature on OS in patients ≤18 years old, to identify gaps in current research and provide suggestions for future research directions.

Methods

Using PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of the literature was performed for all relevant full-text articles published in English in Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases. The search strategy used a combination of subject headings and generic terms related to the study topic and population. Two reviewers independently screened studies for eligibility, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. Characteristics of the studies, objectives and key findings were extracted and summarised in a narrative synthesis.

Results

Database search and manual review identified 922 studies, 899 were eliminated based on defined exclusion criteria. Twenty-three studies were included and comprised 468 participants aged ≤18 years who underwent OS (median 15.2, range 7-18 years old). Only three patients were premenarchal, and four patients were on treatment to suppress puberty. Patients had OS for a broad range of indications including oncology treatment, transgender care and Turner syndrome. A total of 488 cycles of OS were completed, with all but 18 of these cycles (96.3%) successfully resulting in cryopreserved mature oocytes (median 10 oocytes, range 0-35). Fifty-three cycles (9.8%) were cancelled. Complications were rare (<1%). One pregnancy was reported from a female who had OS aged 17 years old.

Conclusion

This systematic review demonstrates that OS and oocyte cryopreservation is achievable in young females however there are only a few cases in the literature describing OS in premenarcheal children or those who have suppressed puberty. There is little proof that OS can lead to pregnancy in adolescents, and no proof that this can be achieved in premenarchal girls. Therefore it should be regarded as an innovative procedure for adolescents and experimental for premenarcheal girls.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=265705, identifier CRD42021265705.
Spatio-temporal prediction for distributed PV generation system based on deep learning neural network model
Authors: Dai Qiangsheng , Huo Xuesong , Hao Yuchen , Yu Ruiji
Published: June 2023

To obtain higher accuracy of PV prediction to enhance PV power generation technology. This paper proposes a spatio-temporal prediction method based on a deep learning neural network model. Firstly, spatio-temporal correlation analysis is performed for 17 PV sites. Secondly, we compare CNN-LSTM with a single CNN or LSTM model trained on the same dataset. From the evaluation indexes such as loss map, regression map, RMSE, and MAE, the CNN-LSTM model that considers the strong correlation of spatio-temporal correlation among the 17 sites has better performance. The results show that our method has higher prediction accuracy.
Global drivers of timber carbon stock from income-based perspective
Authors: Wei Ying , Yi Meng , Yu Yuxin , You Yao , Zhang Weidi , Li Ruichao , Yu Chang , Wang Siyi
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Timber and its products are key carriers of carbon stocks and can cause a hysteresis effect of carbon release in the carbon cycle of forest ecosystems. The literature regarding the cross-regional flow of timber carbon stock mainly pays attention to production- and consumption-based perspectives, which cannot reflect how the primary inputs drive timber carbon stock flow. The income-based perspective accounting can identify the influence of primary input suppliers and supplement research on timber carbon stock embodied in trade. The goal of this paper is to explore the cross-regional flow of global timber carbon stock and identify the critical countries from an income-based perspective.

Methods: We used the Ghosh-multi-regional input-output (MRIO) model to calculate the income-based timber carbon stock flow among 190 countries. Furthermore, combined with the Leontief-MRIO model, a comparative analysis is carried out to analyze the different results of the income-based, production-based, and consumption-based methods.

Results: The results showed that the income-based timber carbon stock of the United States and China were among the top countries in imports and exports simultaneously. However, their export volumes were significantly larger, meaning that these countries have invested more primary resources in timber products. The timber carbon stock of the United States mainly flows into Canada and Brazil. In China, the largest flow went to Canada. Furthermore, the flow to the United States increased significantly. Moreover, comparing the three perspectives shows that the United States’ primary inputs have a greater impact on the global timber production chain than their production- and consumption-based roles. Brazil and Russia, as main primary resource suppliers of timber carbon stock, are more important than as final consumers.

Discussion: The research can contribute to clarify the flow of forest resources embodied in global trade activities. Furthermore, it also provides a scientific basis to fairly account for carbon offset shares to achieve better the goal of forest resource protection agreed upon in COP26.
Impacts of population growth and economic development on food security in low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Miladinov Goran
Published: June 2023

Attention to addressing undernourishment in low-and middle-income countries has expanded notably since the beginning of the 21st century. Population growth increases the overall demand for food, while income growth affects consumption patterns. Using annual aggregate data from the World Bank in 2001–2020 and econometric approaches, this research investigates the changes in the growth rates in rural and urban populations and GDP per capita and the prevalence of undernourishment as % of the population in low-income countries, lower-middle-income countries, and upper-middle income countries. The main goal of the study is to convey a deeper understanding by quantifying the impacts of rural and urban population growth as well as GDP per capita growth on the prevalence of undernourishment. The robust regression models showed that the prevalence of undernourishment in these countries was strongly associated with rural and urban population growth. A positive impact of rural population growth on undernutrition was found in all three groups of countries, with the most significant positive effects found in upper-middle-income countries. The negative effect of urban population growth on undernourishment was largest for the upper middle-income countries. Furthermore, fully modified ordinary least squares results revealed that the changes in the prevalence of undernourishment are mostly associated with long-term changes in the rural and urban population growth. The Difference in Difference (DiD) estimation confirmed only the causal effect of rural population growth on the prevalence of undernourishment in the panel of these countries. The findings of this study have both methodological and policy implications.
Indo-Pacific finless porpoises presence in response to pile driving on the Jinwan Offshore Wind Farm, China
Authors: Fang Liang , Li Min , Wang Xinxing , Chen Yujian , Chen Tao
Published: June 2023

The Jinwan Offshore Wind Farm project in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) is a new stressor for the resident marine mammals there, especially for the Indo-Pacific finless porpoise. A broadband recording system was deployed in the Jinwan Offshore Wind Farm, before and during the construction period, in order to determine how the finless porpoise responded to pile driving activity. The results showed that the wind farm area was an important habitat for the finless porpoise during the monitoring period. The finless porpoise also showed avoidance behavior of pile driving activity. There was a significant negative correlation between porpoise detection and pile driving detection, and the time between porpoise’s acoustic detections increased during pile driving compared to periods without pile driving. Our results indicated that acoustic protection measures are strongly recommended in future offshore wind farm developments in order to protect finless porpoises.
Derivation of governing equation for short-term shoreline response due to episodic storm wave incidence: comparative verification in terms of longshore sediment transport
Authors: Lim Changbin , Lee Jung-Lyul
Published: June 2023

The shoreline temporarily recedes significantly as incoming storm waves reach the beach and cause wave breaking and energy dissipation. However, since the existing shoreline change model simulates shoreline change based on the longshore sediment transport rate (LSTR) empirical formulae, which are derived using the correlation between energy flux and littoral drift, it is difficult to simulate this phenomenon, which is drafted with transverse drift. Therefore, in this study, by applying the concept of the horizontal behavior of suspended sediments, a set of governing equations were derived that can simulate short-term shoreline changes in which the shoreline temporarily recedes, and then recovers. Among the three variables of the governing equation, the two main physical variables related to transverse drift—the beach response factor and the beach recovery factor—can be obtained from the median grain size. However, in the present study, the third variable, the actual transport speed of littoral drift, was estimated by comparison with the CERC formula and discussed from the point of view of alongshore energy flux and wave duration. This was established by introducing the delay factor of longshore sediment transport (DFLST), which indicates how slowly suspended sediments move relative to the longshore current speed. It was found that the littoral sediment speed is inversely proportional to the square root of the beach scale factor. The LSTR formula derived in this study was compared with the observed LSTR values collected from 25 beaches in the United States and with the results of four existing empirical formulae. The proposed governing equation is expected to be widely used as a means of predicting short-term shoreline changes, unlike existing shoreline change models, because it can consider the temporal shoreline retreat and recovery due to storm wave incidence.
Assessing the liquefaction potential of seabed soils based on ocean ambient noise in the Yellow River Delta
Authors: Li Yang , Meng Qingsheng , Wang Shilin , Wang Wenjing , Chen Yuhong
Published: June 2023

Seabed soils can undergo liquefaction under cyclic loading, resulting in a rapid decrease in strength and stiffness, which may lead to the destruction of offshore structures. Therefore, the assessment of seabed soil liquefaction will become an important factor in disaster prevention and risk analysis in coastal and offshore engineering construction. In this study, the ocean ambient noise with low-frequency, long-wavelength, and wide-band characteristics was used to conduct and analysis noise based on the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio method. The shear wave velocity of the seabed soil was obtained by inverting the ocean ambient noise dataset. Then, we proposed a shear wave velocity threshold that can be used for liquefaction assessment of Holocene unconsolidated fine-grained soils by statistical analysis, and the liquefaction potential of the soils was evaluated according to 1-D shear wave velocity structures and 2-D shear wave velocity profiles. The results showed that the distribution of the shear wave velocity obtained by inverting ocean ambient noise was generally consistent with the measured shear wave velocity in the field, indicating that the inversion results have a certain degree of accuracy. A shear wave velocity threshold of 200 m/s was proposed for liquefaction assessment, determining that the soils within 0-10 m depth in the coastal area of Yellow River Delta have liquefaction potential. This result is in accordance with the assessment based on the critical shear wave velocity, indicating that this threshold is applicable to the assessment of seabed soil liquefaction in the Yellow River Delta. The in-situ observations of ocean ambient noise provide a more convenient, economical, and environmentally friendly method, which can help to investigate marine geology disasters and serve marine engineering construction.
Enhancement of SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain activity by two microbial defensins
Authors: Gao Bin , Zhu Shunyi
Published: June 2023

Peptide binders are of great interest to both basic and biomedical research due to their unique properties in manipulating protein functions in a precise spatial and temporal manner. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein is a ligand that captures human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to initiate infection. The development of binders of RBDs has value either as antiviral leads or as versatile tools to study the functional properties of RBDs dependent on their binding positions on the RBDs. In this study, we report two microbe-derived antibacterial defensins with RBD-binding activity. These two naturally occurring binders bind wild-type RBD (WT RBD) and RBDs from various variants with moderate-to-high affinity (7.6–1,450 nM) and act as activators that enhance the ACE2-binding activity of RBDs. Using a computational approach, we mapped an allosteric pathway in WT RBD that connects its ACE2-binding sites to other distal regions. The latter is targeted by the defensins, in which a cation-π interaction could trigger the peptide-elicited allostery in RBDs. The discovery of the two positive allosteric peptides of SARS-CoV-2 RBD will promote the development of new molecular tools for investigating the biochemical mechanisms of RBD allostery.
Effects of water movement and temperature on Rhizophydium infection of Planktothrix in a shallow hypereutrophic lake
Authors: Wagner Ryan S. , McKindles Katelyn M. , Bullerjahn George S.
Published: June 2023

Grand Lake St. Marys (GLSM) is a popular recreational lake located in western Ohio, United States, generating nearly $150 million in annual revenue. However, recurring algal blooms dominated by Planktothrix agardhii, which can produce harmful microcystin toxins, have raised concerns about water safety and negatively impacted the local economy. Planktothrix agardhii is host to a number of parasites and pathogens, including an obligate fungal parasite in the Chytridiomycota (chytrids). In this study, we investigated the potential of these chytrid (Rhizophydium sp.) to infect P. agardhii blooms in the environment by modifying certain environmental conditions thought to limit infection prevalence in the wild. With a focus on temperature and water mixing, mesocosms were designed to either increase or decrease water flow compared to the control (water outside the mesocosm). In the control and water circulation mesocosms, infections were found infrequently and were found on less than 0.75% of the Planktothrix population. On the other hand, by decreasing the water flow to stagnation, chytrid infections were more frequent (found in nearly 3x as many samples) and more prevalent, reaching a maximum infection rate of 4.12%. In addition, qPCR coupled with 16S–18S sequencing was utilized to confirm the genetic presence of both host and parasite, as well as to better understand the effect of water circulation on the community composition. Statistical analysis of the data confirmed that chytrid infection was dependent on water temperature, with infections predominantly occurring between 19°C and 23°C. Additionally, water turbulence can significantly reduce the infectivity of chytrids, as infections were mostly found in stagnant mesocosms. Further, decreasing the water circulation promoted the growth of the cyanobacterial population, while increasing water agitation promoted the growth of green algae (Chlorophyta). This study starts to explore the environmental factors that affect chytrid pathogenesis which can provide valuable insights into controlling measures to reduce the prevalence of harmful algal blooms and improve water quality in GLSM and similarly affected waterbodies.
Identification and characterization of Brevibacillus halotolerans B-4359: a potential antagonistic bacterium against red pepper anthracnose in Korea
Authors: Kim Heejin , Lee Younmi , Hwang Ye-Ji , Lee Mi-Hwa , Balaraju Kotnala , Jeon Yongho
Published: June 2023

Our study aimed to identify potential biocontrol agents (BCAs) against major phytopathogens under in vitro conditions by screening the Freshwater Bioresources Culture Collection (FBCC), Korea. Of the identified 856 strains, only 65 exhibited antagonistic activity, among which only one representative isolation, Brevibacillus halotolerans B-4359 was selected based on its in vitro antagonistic activity and enzyme production. Cell-free culture filtrate (CF) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of B-4359 were shown to be effective against the mycelial growth of Colletotrichum acutatum. Notably, B-4359 was found to promote spore germination in C. acutatum instead of exhibiting a suppressive effect when the bacterial suspension was mixed with the spore suspension of C. acutatum. However, B-4359 showed an excellent biological control effect on the anthracnose of red pepper fruits. Compared to other treatments and untreated control, B-4359 played a more effective role in controlling anthracnose disease under field conditions. The strain was identified as B. halotolerans using BIOLOG and 16S rDNA sequencing analyses. The genetic mechanism underlying the biocontrol traits of B-4359 was characterized using the whole-genome sequence of B-4359, which was closely compared with related strains. The whole-genome sequence of B-4359 consisted of 5,761,776 bp with a GC content of 41.0%, including 5,118 coding sequences, 117 tRNA, and 36 rRNA genes. The genomic analysis identified 23 putative secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters. Our results provide a deep understanding of B-4359 as an effective biocontrol agent against red pepper anthracnose for sustainable agriculture.
Gut microbiome dysbiosis is associated with host genetics in the Norwegian Lundehund
Authors: Melis Claudia , Billing Anna Maria , Wold Per-Arvid , Ludington William Basil
Published: June 2023

A group of diseases have been shown to correlate with a phenomenon called microbiome dysbiosis, where the bacterial species composition of the gut becomes abnormal. The gut microbiome of an animal is influenced by many factors including diet, exposures to bacteria during post-gestational growth, lifestyle, and disease status. Studies also show that host genetics can affect microbiome composition. We sought to test whether host genetic background is associated with gut microbiome composition in the Norwegian Lundehund dog, a highly inbred breed with an effective population size of 13 individuals. The Lundehund has a high rate of a protein-losing enteropathy in the small intestine that is often reported as Lundehund syndrome, which negatively affects longevity and life-quality. An outcrossing project with the Buhund, Norrbottenspets, and Icelandic sheepdog was recently established to reintroduce genetic diversity to the Lundehund and improve its health. To assess whether there was an association between host genetic diversity and the microbiome composition, we sampled the fecal microbiomes of 75 dogs of the parental (Lundehund), F1 (Lundehund x Buhund), and F2 (F1 x Lundehund) generations. We found significant variation in microbiome composition from the parental Lundehund generation compared to the outcross progeny. The variation observed in purebred Lundehunds corresponded to dysbiosis as seen by a highly variable microbiome composition with an elevated Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio and an increase in the prevalence of Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus complex, a known pathobiont that can cause several diseases. We tracked several other environmental factors including diet, the presence of a cat in the household, living in a farm and the use of probiotics, but we did not find evidence of an effect of these on microbiome composition and alpha diversity. In conclusion, we found an association between host genetics and gut microbiome composition, which in turn may be associated with the high incidence of Lundehund syndrome in the purebred parental dogs.
Acceleration of postoperative recovery with brief intraoperative vagal nerve stimulation mediated via the autonomic mechanism
Authors: Maisiyiti Alimujiang , Tian Ming , Chen Jiande D. Z.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Postoperative recovery is largely dependent on the restoration of gastrointestinal motility. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of intraoperative vagus nerve stimulation (iVNS) on postoperative recovery from abdominal surgery in rats.

Methods

The Nissen fundoplication surgery was performed on two groups of rats: sham-iVNS group and iVNS group (VNS was performed during surgery). Animal’s behavior, eating, drinking and feces’ conditions were monitored at specific postoperative days. Gastric slow waves (GSWs) and electrocardiogram (ECG) were recorded; blood samples were collected for the assessment of inflammatory cytokines.

Results

(1) iVNS shortened initiate times to water and food intake (p = 0.004) and increased the number of fecal pellets (p < 0.05, vs. sham-iVNS) and the percentage of water content in fecal pellets (p < 0.05). (2) iVNS improved gastric pace-making activity at 6 h after surgery reflected as a higher percentage of normal slow waves (p = 0.015, vs. sham-iVNS). (3) iVNS suppressed inflammatory cytokines at 24 h after surgery compared to sham-iVNS (TNF-α: p = 0.001; IL-1β: p = 0.037; IL-6: p = 0.002). (4) iVNS increased vagal tone compared to sham-iVNS group at 6 h and 24 h after the surgery (p < 0.05). Increased vagal tone was correlated with a faster postoperative recovery to start water and food intake.

Conclusion

Brief iVNS accelerates postoperative recovery by ameliorating postoperative animal behaviors, improving gastrointestinal motility and inhibiting inflammatory cytokines mediated via the enhanced vagal tone.
Study of unripe and inferior banana flours pre-gelatinized by four different physical methods
Authors: Zhang Siwei , Zhao Kangyun , Xu Fei , Chen Xiaoai , Zhu Kexue , Zhang Yanjun , Xia Guanghua
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to prepare the pre-gelatinized banana flours and compare the effects of four physical treatment methods (autoclaving, microwave, ultrasound, and heat-moisture) on the digestive and structural characteristics of unripe and inferior banana flours. After the four physical treatments, the resistant starch (RS) content values of unripe and inferior banana flours were decreased from 96.85% (RS2) to 28.99–48.37% (RS2 + RS3), while C∞ and k values were increased from 5.90% and 0.039 min−1 to 56.22–74.58% and 0.040–0.059 min−1, respectively. The gelatinization enthalpy (ΔHg) and I1047/1022 ratio (short-range ordered crystalline structures) were decreased from 15.19 J/g and 1.0139 to 12.01–13.72 J/g, 0.9275–0.9811, respectively. The relative crystallinity decreased from 36.25% to 21.69–26.30%, and the XRD patterns of ultrasound (UT) and heat-moisture (HMT) treatment flours maintained the C-type, but those samples pre-gelatinized by autoclave (AT) and microwave (MT) treatment were changed to C + V-type, and heat-moisture (HMT) treatment was changed to A-type. The surface of pre-gelatinized samples was rough, and MT and HMT showed large amorphous holes. The above changes in structure further confirmed the results of digestibility. According to the experimental results, UT was more suitable for processing unripe and inferior banana flours as UT had a higher RS content and thermal gelatinization temperatures, a lower degree and rate of hydrolysis, and a more crystalline structure. The study can provide a theoretical basis for developing and utilizing unripe and inferior banana flours.
The clinicopathological analysis of ocular and orbit tumors in southeast of China
Authors: Lin Yuan , Liu Xiaodong , Zhang Yujie , Xie Zhiwen , Fang Xie , Shi Ke , Zhong Yanlin , Su Shengqi , Cai Minqing , Wu Huping , Ou Shangkun
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the clinicopathologic characteristics of ocular surface and orbit tumors in the Southeast of China and explore the method to differentiate the benign and malignant masses.

Materials and methods

3468 patients undergoing mass resection from January 2015 to December 2020 were selected as observation subjects and were classified into benign and malignant masses according to postoperative pathology. The clinicopathologic characteristics were collected, including gender, age, pathological tissue signs, and pathological signs. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis of independent risk factors of malignant mass was applied to establish a diagnostic model and the efficacy was evaluated by the subject working characteristics (ROC) curve.

Results

Benign tumors accounted for 91.5% of all cases, and malignant tumors accounted for 8.5%. The most common ocular benign tumors were nevi (24.2%), granuloma (17.1%), and cysts (16.4%). The most common ocular malignant tumors were malignant lymphoma (32.1%) and Basal cell carcinoma (20.2%). As for the histologic origin, melanocytic origin was on the list with 819 (23.6%), mesenchymal 661 (19.1%), epithelial 568 (16.3%), cystic 521 (15.0%), skin adnexal 110 (3.1%), lymphoid 94 (2.8%), and Neural 25(0.8%). Based on the gender, age, tumor location, and the pathological tissue image feature (including differentiation, structural atypia, covering epithelial, keratosis, nest structure/distribution, nuclear atypia, cytoplasmic change and nuclear division), the diagnostic model had predictive value to differentiate the benign and malignant masses.

Conclusion

Most ocular surface and orbit tumors are benign. Tumor diagnosis is relative to the patient’s age, gender, tumor location, and pathologic characteristics. We generated a satisfactory diagnostic model to differential diagnosis of benign and malignant masses.
Efficacy and safety of inetetamab-containing regimens in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer: a real-world retrospective study in China
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Zhang Peng , Li Chao , Song Xiang , Liu Zhaoyun , Shao Wenna , Li Sumei , Wang Xinzhao , Yu Zhiyong
Published: June 2023

Background

Inetetamab (cipterbin) is an innovative anti-HER2 humanized monoclonal antibody. The efficacy and safety of a combination of inetetamab and vinorelbine in the first-line treatment of human epidermal receptor positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) have been confirmed. We aimed to investigate real-world data of inetetamab in complex clinical practice.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who received inetetamab as a salvage treatment at any line setting from July 2020 to June 2022. The main endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS).

Results

A total of 64 patients were included in this analysis. The median progression‐free survival (mPFS) was 5.6 (4.6–6.6) months. Of the patients, 62.5% received two or more lines of therapy before treatment with inetetamab. The most common chemotherapy and anti-HER2 regimens combined with inetetamab were vinorelbine (60.9%) and pyrotinib (62.5%), respectively. Patients treated with inetetamab plus pyrotinib plus vinorelbine benefited the most (p=0.048), with the mPFS of 9.3 (3.1–15.5) months and an objective response rate of 35.5%. For patients with pyrotinib pretreatment, inetetamab plus vinorelbine plus pyrotinib agents resulted in mPFS of 10.3 (5.2–15.4) months. Regimens (inetetamab plus vinorelbine plus pyrotinib vs. other therapeutic agents) and visceral metastases (yes vs. no) were independent predictors of PFS. Patients with visceral metastases treated with inetetamab plus vinorelbine plus pyrotinib had a mPFS of 6.1(5.1–7.1) months. The toxicity of inetetamab was tolerable, with the most common grade 3/4 adverse event being leukopenia (4.7%).

Conclusions

HER2+ MBC patients pretreated with multiple-line therapies still respond to inetetamab-based treatment. Inetetamab combined with vinorelbine and pyrotinib may be the most effective treatment regimen, with a controllable and tolerable safety profile.
Bioinformatic-based genetic characterizations of neural regulation in skin cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Wang Fengdi , Cheng Fanjun , Zheng Fang
Published: June 2023

Background

Recent discoveries uncovered the complex cancer–nerve interactions in several cancer types including skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM). However, the genetic characterization of neural regulation in SKCM is unclear.

Methods

Transcriptomic expression data were collected from the TCGA and GTEx portal, and the differences in cancer–nerve crosstalk-associated gene expressions between normal skin and SKCM tissues were analyzed. The cBioPortal dataset was utilized to implement the gene mutation analysis. PPI analysis was performed using the STRING database. Functional enrichment analysis was analyzed by the R package clusterProfiler. K-M plotter, univariate, multivariate, and LASSO regression were used for prognostic analysis and verification. The GEPIA dataset was performed to analyze the association of gene expression with SKCM clinical stage. ssGSEA and GSCA datasets were used for immune cell infiltration analysis. GSEA was used to elucidate the significant function and pathway differences.

Results

A total of 66 cancer–nerve crosstalk-associated genes were identified, 60 of which were up- or downregulated in SKCM and KEGG analysis suggested that they are mainly enriched in the calcium signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and so on. A gene prognostic model including eight genes (GRIN3A, CCR2, CHRNA4, CSF1, NTN1, ADRB1, CHRNB4, and CHRNG) was built and verified by independent cohorts GSE59455 and GSE19234. A nomogram was constructed containing clinical characteristics and the above eight genes, and the AUCs of the 1-, 3-, and 5-year ROC were 0.850, 0.811, and 0.792, respectively. Expression of CCR2, GRIN3A, and CSF1 was associated with SKCM clinical stages. There existed broad and strong correlations of the prognostic gene set with immune infiltration and immune checkpoint genes. CHRNA4 and CHRNG were independent poor prognostic genes, and multiple metabolic pathways were enriched in high CHRNA4 expression cells.

Conclusion

Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of cancer–nerve crosstalk-associated genes in SKCM was performed, and an effective prognostic model was constructed based on clinical characteristics and eight genes (GRIN3A, CCR2, CHRNA4, CSF1, NTN1, ADRB1, CHRNB4, and CHRNG), which were widely related to clinical stages and immunological features. Our work may be helpful for further investigation in the molecular mechanisms correlated with neural regulation in SKCM, and in searching new therapeutic targets.
Real-world outcomes of immunotherapy with or without chemotherapy in first-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Pelicon Veronika , Cufer Tanja , Knez Lea
Published: June 2023

Background

Immunotherapy alone (mono-IT) or combined with chemotherapy (chemo-IT) has recently become the cornerstone of first-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Here, real-world outcomes of first-line mono-IT and chemo-IT of advanced NSCLC treated within routine clinical practice at a single academic center in the Central Eastern European (CEE) region are presented.

Materials and methods

A total of 176 consecutive patients with advanced NSCLC treated with mono-IT (118 patients) or chemo-IT (58 patients) were included. At the participating institution, all medical data relevant for providing oncology care are collected prospectively and in a standardized manner using purposely created pro-forms. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded and graded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). The Kaplan−Meier method was used to estimate median overall survival (mOS) and median duration of treatment (mDOT).

Results

The 118 patients in the mono-IT cohort had a median age of 64 years, most were male (59%), 20% had ECOG PS ≥2, and 14% had controlled CNS metastases at baseline. With a median follow-up time (mFU) of 24.1 months, the mOS was 19.4 months (95% CI, 11.1-27.6), and the mDOT was 5.0 months (95% CI, 3.5-6.5). The 1-year OS was 62%. The 58 patients in the chemo-IT cohort had a median age of 64 years, most were male (64%), 9% had ECOG PS ≥2, and 7% had controlled CNS metastases at baseline. With a mFU of 15.5 months, the mOS was 21.3 months (95% CI, 15.9-26.7), and the mDOT was 12.0 months (95% CI, 8.3-15.6). The 1-year OS was 75%. Adverse events of severe grade were recorded in 18% and 26% of patients, and immunotherapy discontinuation due to AEs occurred in 19% and 9% in the mono-IT and chemo-IT groups, respectively. No treatment-related deaths were recorded.

Conclusion

The results from the present real-world observational study from a CEE country suggest similar effectiveness and safety of first-line mono-IT and chemo-IT in patients with advanced NSCLC to those observed in randomized clinical trials. However, continuous follow-up will offer better insight into the magnitude of long-term benefits in routine clinical practice.
Multimodal physiological sensing for the assessment of acute pain
Authors: Fernandez Rojas Raul , Hirachan Niraj , Brown Nicholas , Waddington Gordon , Murtagh Luke , Seymour Ben , Goecke Roland
Published: June 2023

Pain assessment is a challenging task encountered by clinicians. In clinical settings, patients’ self-report is considered the gold standard in pain assessment. However, patients who are unable to self-report pain are at a higher risk of undiagnosed pain. In the present study, we explore the use of multiple sensing technologies to monitor physiological changes that can be used as a proxy for objective measurement of acute pain. Electrodermal activity (EDA), photoplethysmography (PPG), and respiration (RESP) signals were collected from 22 participants under two pain intensities (low and high) and on two different anatomical locations (forearm and hand). Three machine learning models were implemented, including support vector machines (SVM), decision trees (DT), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) for the identification of pain. Various pain scenarios were investigated, identification of pain (no pain, pain), multiclass (no pain, low pain, high pain), and identification of pain location (forearm, hand). Reference classification results from individual sensors and from all sensors together were obtained. After feature selection, results showed that EDA was the most informative sensor in the three pain conditions, 93.2±8% in identification of pain, 68.9±10% in the multiclass problem, and 56.0±8% for the identification of pain location. These results identify EDA as the superior sensor in our experimental conditions. Future work is required to validate the obtained features to improve its feasibility in more realistic scenarios. Finally, this study proposes EDA as a candidate to design a tool that can assist clinicians in the assessment of acute pain of nonverbal patients.
Urethral discharge as an early manifestation of urinary tract infection in children ≤24 months old
Authors: Fang Nai-Wen , Ou Shih-Hsiang , Huang Yu-Shan , Chiou Yee-Hsuan
Published: June 2023

Background

Children with febrile urinary tract infections (UTIs) are prone to kidney scarring if they are not treated promptly; however, ambiguous symptoms before fever onset makes the early detection of UTIs difficult. Our study aimed to identify urethral discharge as an early manifestation in children with UTI.

Methods

This study enrolled 678 children younger than 24 months with paired urinalysis and culture performed between 2015 and 2021; 544 children were diagnosed with UTIs. Clinical symptoms, urinalysis, and paired urine culture results were compared.

Results

Urethral discharge was observed in 5.1% of children with UTI and yielded a specificity of 92.5% for diagnosing UTI. Children with urethral discharge had a less severe UTI course, furthermore, nine of them received antibiotics before fever occurred and seven of them were free of fever during UTI course. Urethral discharge was associated with alkalotic urine and Klebsiella pneumonia infection.

Conclusions

Urethral discharge is an early symptom in children with UTI; it may present before fever onset and help ensure prompt antibiotic intervention.
Hybrid weighted communication network node importance evaluation method
Authors: Tian Gan , Yang Xinzhi , Li Yaxiong , Yang Zhengwei , Chen Gong
Published: June 2023

Communication networks are used as an important guarantee for information interaction and efficient collaboration within many fields and systems; however, under information technology conditions, the destruction of a number of nodes in a network may have a great impact on the overall operation of the network. Therefore, it is important to accurately determine the critical nodes in the network to enhance the network’s resistance to destruction. Combining the characteristic attributes of the communication network, a node contribution evaluation matrix is proposed based on the efficiency matrix, from the perspective of node receiving information; a node value evaluation matrix is proposed from the perspective of a node providing information to neighboring nodes, and node importance is calculated by integrating the evaluation results of the two matrices and the node’s own attributes. The algorithm is suitable for directed-weighted network node value evaluation, and the effectiveness and accuracy of the algorithm are verified by comparing other algorithms for a small-scale network. In further experimental validation, a hybrid weighted communication network evolution model based on organizational structured networks is proposed, and networks of different sizes are generated for experimental simulation. The results show that when nodes with high importance are removed from the network, they can cause a rapid decrease in the network efficiency and maximum connectivity, confirming the accuracy of the algorithm in evaluating the importance of nodes and identifying critical nodes in the network.
Cluster scattering in the non-local model
Authors: Timofeyuk N. K. , Gómez-Ramos M.
Published: June 2023

Scattering of weakly bound nuclei with a pronounced cluster structure is strongly affected by their breakup. Usually, this mechanism is accounted for in a three-body model with pairwise potentials. The interaction potentials between complex systems are non-local due to the existence of excitation channels and antisymmetrization. However, a common practice is to use local optical potentials in cluster scattering studies. To assess the validity of replacing non-local optical potentials by their local equivalents, we extend the local-equivalent continuum-discretized coupled-channel (LECDCC) approach proposed by us for deuteron scattering in [Phys. Rev. C98, 011601(R) (2018)] to the case of cluster scattering. We consider the case of 6Li + 120Sn at 27 and 60 MeV, and compare the angular distributions and reaction cross sections for elastic and breakup cross sections with those obtained in the standard continuum-discretized coupled-channel (CDCC) method with local equivalents of non-local potentials. We found that while elastic scattering is not significantly affected by non-locality, the breakup observables could be affected by up to 20% depending on kinematical conditions of their observation.
Genome-wide identification of the AcMADS-box family and functional validation of AcMADS32 involved in carotenoid biosynthesis in Actinidia
Authors: Lin Zhiyi , He Zunzhen , Ye Daoling , Deng Honghong , Lin Lijin , Wang Jin , Lv Xiulan , Deng Qunxian , Luo Xian , Liang Dong , Xia Hui
Published: June 2023

MADS-box is a large transcription factor family in plants and plays a crucial role in various plant developmental processes; however, it has not been systematically analyzed in kiwifruit. In the present study, 74 AcMADS genes were identified in the Red5 kiwifruit genome, including 17 type-I and 57 type-II members according to the conserved domains. The AcMADS genes were randomly distributed across 25 chromosomes and were predicted to be mostly located in the nucleus. A total of 33 fragmental duplications were detected in the AcMADS genes, which might be the main force driving the family expansion. Many hormone-associated cis-acting elements were detected in the promoter region. Expression profile analysis showed that AcMADS members had tissue specificity and different responses to dark, low temperature, drought, and salt stress. Two genes in the AG group, AcMADS32 and AcMADS48, had high expression levels during fruit development, and the role of AcMADS32 was further verified by stable overexpression in kiwifruit seedlings. The content of α-carotene and the ratio of zeaxanthin/β-carotene was increased in transgenic kiwifruit seedlings, and the expression level of AcBCH1/2 was significantly increased, suggesting that AcMADS32 plays an important role in regulating carotenoid accumulation. These results have enriched our understanding of the MADS-box gene family and laid a foundation for further research of the functions of its members during kiwifruit development.