bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of NADPH-cytochrome P450 Reductase to Azole Resistance in Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: He Dan , Feng Zeqing , Gao Song , Wei Yunyun , Han Shuaishuai , Wang Li
Published: September 2021

Fusarium species exhibit significant intrinsic resistance to most antifungal agents and fungicides, resulting in high mortality rates among immunocompromised patients. Consequently, a thorough characterization of the antifungal resistance mechanism is required for effective treatments and for preventing fungal infections and reducing antifungal resistance. In this study, an isolate of Fusarium oxysporum (wild-type) with broadly resistant to commonly antifungal agents was used to generate 1,450 T-DNA random insertion mutants via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Antifungal susceptibility test results revealed one mutant with increased sensitivity to azoles. Compared with the resistant wild-type, the mutant exhibited low MICs to KTZ, ITC, VRC, POS, and PCZ (0.125, 1, 0.06, 0.5, and 0.125μg/ml, respectively). The T-DNA insertion site of this mutant was characterized as involving two adjacent genes, one encoding a hypothetical protein with unknown function and the other encoding the NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, referred as CPR1. To confirm the involvement of these genes in the altered azole susceptibility, the independent deletion mutants were generated and the Cpr1 deletion mutant displayed the same phenotypes as the T-DNA random mutant. The deletion of Cpr1 significantly decreased ergosterol levels. Additionally, the expression of the downstream Cyp51 gene was affected, which likely contributed to the observed increased susceptibility to azoles. These findings verified the association between Cpr1 and azole susceptibility in F. oxysporum. Furthermore, this gene may be targeted to improve antifungal treatments.
X-Ray Causes mRNA Transcripts Change to Enhance Orai2-Mediated Ca2+ Influx in Rat Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Xu Fangfang , Wang Yang , Gao Huiwen , Zhang Xinchen , Hu Yu , Han Tingting , Shen Bing , Zhang Lesha , Wu Qibing
Published: September 2021

Background: Radiation-induced brain injury is a serious and treatment-limiting complication of brain radiation therapy. Although endothelial cell dysfunction plays a critical role in the development of this pathogenesis, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive.

Methods: Primary cultured rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) were divided into five groups without or with exposure of x-rays delivered at 5 Gy or 20 Gy. For the irradiated groups, cells were continued to cultivate for 12 or 24 h after being irradiated. Then the mRNA libraries of each group were established and applied for next-generation sequencing. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were conducted to analyze the sequencing results. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, cck8 assay and intracellular calcium concentration assays were conducted to analyze the role of Orai2-associated SOCE in x-ray induced cellular injury.

Results: In total, 3,005 transcripts in all the four x-ray–exposed groups of BMECs showed expression level changes compared with controls. With the dose of x-ray augment and the following cultured time extension, the numbers of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) increased significantly in BMECs. Venn diagrams identified 40 DEGs common to all four exposure groups. Functional pathway enrichment analyses indicated that those 40 DEGs were enriched in the calcium signaling pathway. Among those 40 DEGs, mRNA and protein expression levels of Orai2 were significantly upregulated for 24 h. Similarly, calcium influx via store-operated calcium entry, which is modulated by Orai2, was also significantly increased for 24 h in x-ray–exposed BMECs. Moreover, the change in SOCE was suppressed by btp-2, which is a non-selective inhibitor of Orai. Additionally, x-ray exposure induced a significant decrease of proliferation in BMECs in the dose- and time-dependent manner.

Conclusion: These findings provide evidence for molecular mechanisms underlying BMECs dysfunction in development of radiation-induced brain injury and suggest new approaches for therapeutic targets.
The Development of a Flexible Bodily Representation: Behavioral Outcomes and Brain Oscillatory Activity During the Rubber Hand Illusion in Preterm and Full-Term School-Age Children
Authors: Della Longa Letizia , Mento Giovanni , Farroni Teresa
Published: September 2021

During childhood, the body undergoes rapid changes suggesting the need to constantly update body representation based on the integration of multisensory signals. Sensory experiences in critical periods of early development may have a significant impact on the neurobiological mechanisms underpinning the development of the sense of one’s own body. Specifically, preterm children are at risk for sensory processing difficulties, which may lead to specific vulnerability in binding together sensory information in order to modulate the representation of the bodily self. The present study aims to investigate the malleability of body ownership in preterm (N= 21) and full-term (N= 19) school-age children, as reflected by sensitivity to the Rubber Hand Illusion. The results revealed that multisensory processes underlying the ability to identify a rubber hand as being part of one’s own body are already established in childhood, as indicated by a higher subjective feeling of embodiment over the rubber hand during synchronous visual-tactile stimulation. Notably, the effect of visual-tactile synchrony was related to the suppression of the alpha band oscillations over frontal, central, and parietal scalp regions, possibly indicating a greater activation of somatosensory and associative areas underpinning the illusory body ownership. Moreover, an interaction effect between visual-tactile condition and group emerged, suggesting that preterm children showed a greater suppression of alpha oscillatory activity during the illusion. This result together with lower scores of subjective embodiment over the rubber hand reported by preterm children indicate that preterm birth may affect the development of the flexible representation of the body. These findings provide an essential contribution to better understand the processes of identification and differentiation of the bodily self from the external environment, in both full-term and preterm children, paving the way for a multisensory and embodied approach to the investigation of social and cognitive development.
How Neuroimaging Can Aid the Interpretation of Art
Authors: Kesner Ladislav , Adámek Petr , Grygarová Dominika
Published: September 2021

Cognitive neuroscience of art continues to be criticized for failing to provide interesting results about art itself. In particular, results of brain imaging experiments have not yet been utilized in interpretation of particular works of art. Here we revisit a recent study in which we explored the neuronal and behavioral response to painted portraits with a direct versus an averted gaze. We then demonstrate how fMRI results can be related to the art historical interpretation of a specific painting. The evidentiary status of neuroimaging data is not different from any other extra-pictorial facts that art historians uncover in their research and relate to their account of the significance of a work of art. They are not explanatory in a strong sense, yet they provide supportive evidence for the art writer’s inference about the intended meaning of a given work. We thus argue that brain imaging can assume an important role in the interpretation of particular art works.
Implications of a Remote Study of Children With Cerebral Visual Impairment for Conducting Virtual Pediatric Eye Care Research: Virtual Assessment Is Possible for Children With CVI
Authors: Almagati Reem , Kran Barry S.
Published: September 2021

The Pandemic of 2020 impacted conducting in-person research. Our proposed project already had an asynchronous online component but was later morphed to add a synchronous online component, thereby eliminating the need for in-person assessment. The project compares the results of various tests between a group of children with Cerebral Visual Impairments (CVI) (N = 4) and an age-matched sample of children without CVI (N = 3) from a pediatric low vision clinic. This model was trialed with a small convenient sample of typically developing children in the same age range (N = 4). Given the positive feedback, recruitment for the larger study was done via encrypted e-mail rather than through traditional mailing. The asynchronous components included recruitment, pre-assessment information, the Flemish CVI questionnaire, Vineland-3 comprehensive parent questionnaire for assessment of age equivalent, and vision function tests, such as contrast sensitivity. The synchronous components were administered via Zoom telehealth provided by necoeyecare.org and included assessment of visual acuity via the Freiburg Visual Acuity and Contrast Test (FrACT) electronic software and assessment of visual perceptual batteries via the Children’s Visual Impairment Test for developmental ages 3–6-years (CVIT 3–6). Our virtual testing protocol was successful in the seven participants tested. This paper reviews and critiques the model that we utilized and discusses ways in which this model can be improved. Aside from public health considerations during the pandemic, this approach is more convenient for many families. In a broader perspective, this approach can be scaled for larger N studies of rare conditions, such as CVI without being confined by proximity to the researcher.
Anxiety and Motion Sickness Susceptibility May Influence the Ability to Update Orientation in the Horizontal Plane of Healthy Subjects
Authors: Alcantara-Thome Mónica , Miguel-Puga José A. , Jauregui-Renaud Kathrine
Published: September 2021

Few studies have evaluated the influence of idiosyncrasies that may influence the judgment of space-time orientation after passive motion. We designed a study to assess the influence of anxiety/depression (which may distort time perception), motion sickness susceptibility (which has been related to vestibular function, disorientation, and to the velocity storage mechanism), and personal habits on the ability to update orientation, after passive rotations in the horizontal plane. Eighty-one healthy adults (22–64 years old) accepted to participate. After they completed an in-house general health/habits questionnaire, the short Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the short International Physical Activity Questionnaire, they were exposed to 10 manually driven whole-body rotations (45°, 90°, or 135°), in a square room, with distinctive features on the walls, while seated in the normal upright position, unrestrained, with noise-attenuating headphones and blindfolded. After each rotation, they were asked to report which wall or corner they were facing. To calculate the error of estimation of orientation, the perceived rotation was subtracted from the actual rotation. Multivariate analysis showed that the estimation error of the first rotation was strongly related to the results of the orientation test. The magnitude and the frequency of estimation errors of orientation were independently related to HADS anxiety sub-score and to adult motion sickness susceptibility, with no influence of age, but a contribution from the interaction of the use of spectacles, the quality of sleep and sex. The results suggest that idiosyncrasies may contribute to the space-time estimation of passive self-motion, with influence from emotional traits, adult motion sickness susceptibility, experience, and possibly sleep quality.
Determining the Distinguishing Features of Different Eating Action Types in Germany Using a Mixed-Method Approach
Authors: Lampmann Lyn , Emberger-Klein Agnes , Menrad Klaus
Published: September 2021

Food-related behavior is a very complex topic, as it affects the most diverse areas of life. Accordingly, wide varieties of disciplines have already dealt with the topic to understand it better. The result is that there is neither a uniform nutrition knowledge nor a uniform nutrition behavior. In order to reduce the complexity of a field of study, there is the methodical means of type-building. Both commercial and academic studies have already formed nutrition types, either by means of standardized questionnaires or with a specific content focus. However, since both individual and social aspects influence food-related behavior, we investigate how people integrate eating into their everyday life against the background of (competing) individual and social demands by focusing on the individual point of view, for which a mixed methods approach is used. Based on 42 semi-structured, problem-centered interviews conducted in Germany in 2017, we built qualitative food-related types in a first step, which are analyzed in this article using a quantitative content analysis and cross-over analysis to identify the particular distinguishing feature(s) of each type and test them for significance. The results show the prominent characteristics for each type and indicate furthermore that subjectivization, self-determination, the body as an instrument of power, adaptation to the environment and being overstrained with the own behavior are particularly prominent when it comes to eating. Moreover, we clearly identified The Overstrained and The Relaxed as independent eating action types, which we could not find anywhere else. The study shows that interventions, especially for The Overstrained and The Controlled, are necessary to achieve a relaxed approach to eating in everyday life. At the same time, systematic approaches should be used to intervene in cases of overstraining or controlled behavior.
Microbiome and Metabolic Changes of Milk in Response to Dietary Supplementation With Bamboo Leaf Extract in Dairy Cows
Authors: Jing-wei Zhan , Yi-yuan Shen , Xin Li , Hua Zhang , Hui Niu , Luo-yun Fang , Ben-hai Xiong , Jin-jin Tong , Lin-shu Jiang
Published: September 2021

Bamboo leaf extracts, with high content of flavonoids and diverse biological activities, are used in animal husbandry. Increasing evidence has suggested an association between the bovine physiology and the udder microbiome, yet whether the microbiota and the metabolites of milk affect the mammary gland health or the milk quality remains unknown. In this study, we provide a potential mechanism for the effects of bamboo leaf extracts on milk microbiota and metabolites of dairy cows. Twelve multiparous lactating Chinese Holstein dairy cows were randomly separated into two groups: basal diet as the control group (CON,n= 6) and a diet supplemented with 30 g/d bamboo leaf extract per head as antioxidants of bamboo leaf (AOB) group (AOB,n= 6) for 7 weeks (2-week adaptation, 5-week treatment). Milk samples were collected at the end of the trial (week 7) for microbiome and associated metabolic analysis by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The results showed that the milk protein was increased (p< 0.0001) and somatic cell count (SCC) showed a tendency to decrease (p= 0.09) with AOB supplementation. The relative abundance ofFirmicuteswas significantly decreased (p= 0.04) while a higher relative abundance of Probacteria (p= 0.01) was seen in the group receiving AOB compared to the CON group. The AOB group had a significantly lower relative abundance ofCorynebacterium_1(p= 0.01), Aerococcus(p= 0.01), andStaphylococcus(p= 0.02). There were 64 different types of metabolites significantly upregulated, namely, glycerophospholipids and fatty acyls, and 15 significantly downregulated metabolites, such as moracetin, sphinganine, and lactulose in the AOB group. Metabolic pathway analysis of the different metabolites revealed that the sphingolipid signaling pathway was significantly enriched, together with glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and necroptosis in response to AOB supplementation. Several typical metabolites were highly correlated with specific ruminal bacteria, demonstrating a functional correlation between the milk microbiome and the associated metabolites. These insights into the complex mechanism and corresponding biological responses highlight the potential function of AOB, warranting further investigation into the regulatory role of specific pathways in the metabolism.
A Novel Risk Factor Model Based on Glycolysis-Associated Genes for Predicting the Prognosis of Patients With Prostate Cancer
Authors: Guo Kaixuan , Lai Cong , Shi Juanyi , Tang Zhuang , Liu Cheng , Li Kuiqing , Xu Kewei
Published: September 2021

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent cancers among males, and its mortality rate is increasing due to biochemical recurrence (BCR). Glycolysis has been proven to play an important regulatory role in tumorigenesis. Although several key regulators or predictors involved in PCa progression have been found, the relationship between glycolysis and PCa is unclear; we aimed to develop a novel glycolysis-associated multifactor prediction model for better predicting the prognosis of PCa.

Methods

Differential mRNA expression profiles derived from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) PCa cohort were generated through the “edgeR” package. Glycolysis-related genes were obtained from the GSEA database. Univariate Cox and LASSO regression analyses were used to identify genes significantly associated with disease-free survival. ROC curves were applied to evaluate the predictive value of the model. An external dataset derived from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was used to verify the predictive ability. Glucose consumption and lactic production assays were used to assess changes in metabolic capacity, and Transwell assays were used to assess the invasion and migration of PC3 cells.

Results

Five glycolysis-related genes were applied to construct a risk score prediction model. Patients with PCa derived from TCGA and GEO (GSE70770) were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups according to the median. In the TCGA cohort, the high-risk group had a poorer prognosis than the low-risk group, and the results were further verified in the GSE70770 cohort. In vitro experiments demonstrated that knocking down HMMR, KIF20A, PGM2L1, and ANKZF1 separately led to less glucose consumption, less lactic production, and inhibition of cell migration and invasion, and the results were the opposite with GPR87 knockdown.

Conclusion

The risk score based on five glycolysis-related genes may serve as an accurate prognostic marker for PCa patients with BCR.
MRCP Combined With CT Promotes the Differentiation of Benign and Malignant Distal Bile Duct Strictures
Authors: Wang Guang-xian , Ge Xiao-dong , Zhang Dong , Chen Hai-ling , Zhang Qi-chuan , Wen Li
Published: September 2021

Objective

To determine whether contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) can promote the identification of malignant and benign distal biliary strictures (DBSs) compared to the use of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) alone and to identify imaging findings of malignant DBSs.

Materials and Methods

A total of 168 consecutive patients with confirmed DBSs were reviewed. MRCP alone and MRCP combined with CT images were blindly analyzed by two radiologists (e.g., stricture pattern, margins), and malignant or benign DBSs were identified based on surgical findings, endoscopy findings, or follow-up. The diagnostic accuracy of the two reviewers using MRCP alone and MRCP combined with CT were evaluated. MRCP and CT features of malignant and benign DBSs were compared using multiple logistic regression analysis to identify independent malignant risk factors.

Results

MRCP combined with CT examination could improve the diagnostic accuracy, which increased from 70.2% to 81.5% in Doctor A and from 85.1% to 89.3% in Doctor B. The multiple logistic regression model revealed that stricture length [odds ratio (OR) 1.070, P=0.016], angle of the DBS (OR 1.061, P<0.001), double duct sign (OR 4.312, P=0.003) and low density in the arterial phase (OR 0.319, P=0.018) were associated with malignant DBS. A scoring model incorporating these four factors was established; at a threshold value of 1.75, and the sensitivity and specificity for the detection of malignant DBSs were 73.5 and 85.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

Compared to the use of MRCP alone, MRCP combined with contrast-enhanced CT can improve the accuracy of DBS diagnosis. The scoring model accurately predicts malignant DBSs and helps make treatment decisions.
The Functions of Cytochrome P450 ω-hydroxylases and the Associated Eicosanoids in Inflammation-Related Diseases
Authors: Ni Kai-Di , Liu Jun-Yan
Published: September 2021

The cytochrome P450 (CYP) ω-hydroxylases are a subfamily of CYP enzymes. While CYPs are the main metabolic enzymes that mediate the oxidation reactions of many endogenous and exogenous compounds in the human body, CYP ω-hydroxylases mediate the metabolism of multiple fatty acids and their metabolites via the addition of a hydroxyl group to the ω- or (ω-1)-C atom of the substrates. The substrates of CYP ω-hydroxylases include but not limited to arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins. The CYP ω-hydroxylases-mediated metabolites, such as 20-hyroxyleicosatrienoic acid (20-HETE), 19-HETE, 20-hydroxyl leukotriene B4 (20-OH-LTB4), and many ω-hydroxylated prostaglandins, have pleiotropic effects in inflammation and many inflammation-associated diseases. Here we reviewed the classification, tissue distribution of CYP ω-hydroxylases and the role of their hydroxylated metabolites in inflammation-associated diseases. We described up-regulation of CYP ω-hydroxylases may be a pathogenic mechanism of many inflammation-associated diseases and thus CYP ω-hydroxylases may be a therapeutic target for these diseases. CYP ω-hydroxylases-mediated eicosanods play important roles in inflammation as pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory mediators, participating in the process stimulated by cytokines and/or the process stimulating the production of multiple cytokines. However, most previous studies focused on 20-HETE,and further studies are needed for the function and mechanisms of other CYP ω-hydroxylases-mediated eicosanoids. We believe that our studies of CYP ω-hydroxylases and their associated eicosanoids will advance the translational and clinal use of CYP ω-hydroxylases inhibitors and activators in many diseases.
Drug Repurposing for Targeting Acute Leukemia With KMT2A (MLL)—Gene Rearrangements
Authors: Tsakaneli Alexia , Williams Owen
Published: September 2021

The treatment failure rates of acute leukemia with rearrangements of the Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) gene highlight the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Taking into consideration the limitations of the current therapies and the advantages of novel strategies for drug discovery, drug repurposing offers valuable opportunities to identify treatments and develop therapeutic approaches quickly and effectively for acute leukemia with MLL-rearrangements. These approaches are complimentary to de novo drug discovery and have taken advantage of increased knowledge of the mechanistic basis of MLL-fusion protein complex function as well as refined drug repurposing screens. Despite the vast number of different leukemia associated MLL-rearrangements, the existence of common core oncogenic pathways holds the promise that many such therapies will be broadly applicable to MLL-rearranged leukemia as a whole.
A Power Dispatch Optimization Method to Enhance the Resilience of Renewable Energy Penetrated Power Networks
Authors: Huang Yuehui , Li Pai , Zhang Xi , Mu Bingchun , Mao Xuefei , Li Zhen
Published: September 2021

With the wide deployment of renewable energies, future power grids become more vulnerable to extreme environments. This paper investigates enhancing the resilience of power systems with high penetrations of renewable energies under emergencies. The resilience enhancement firstly is defined as maintaining as much electric energy to critical loads in a fixed number of post-disaster periods by properly coordinating the available resources. Then, an optimal decision-making method is proposed to maximize the power supply of critical loads and to minimize the instability risks due to the randomness of the output power of renewable energies. The power consumption of loads, charging/discharging power of power storage plants, power generation of generators, and spinning reserve ratios of the renewable energy at each period are taken as decision variables. Constraints include spinning reserve, power flow constraints, and power consumption/generation limits. The interior-point algorithm is used to solve the formulated optimization problem. Numerical simulations verified the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed optimization method in boosting grid resilience after disasters. It is also found that a balance should be sought between decreasing stability risks and increasing the power supply benefit in extreme environments.
Developments of Picosecond Lasers Based on Stimulated Brillouin Scattering Pulse Compression
Authors: Cao Chen , Wang Yulei , Bai Zhenxu , Li Yunfei , Yu Yu , Lu Zhiwei
Published: September 2021

Pulse compression based on stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) is a nonlinear optical approach that efficiently converts high-energy nanosecond pulses into the picosecond. Since the first observation of SBS pulse compression, different compression structures for different input and output parameters were developed to optimize the characteristics of pulse compression in the past decades. Here, a comprehensive review of the development status of SBS pulse compression schemes is provided, meanwhile, methods and trends to the optimization of SBS pulse compression are proposed.
Effects of Bicarbonate Stress on Serum Ions and Gill Transporters in Alkali and Freshwater Forms of Amur Ide (Leuciscus waleckii)
Authors: Chang Yu Mei , Zhao Xue Fei , Liew Hon Jung , Sun Bo , Wang Shuang Yi , Luo Liang , Zhang Li Min , Liang Li Qun
Published: September 2021

The Amur ide (Leuciscus waleckii) is a fish in the Cyprinidae family. Compared with other Amur ide living in freshwater ecosystems, the Amur ide population in Lake Dali Nor of China is famous for its high tolerance to the alkaline conditions of 54 mM (pH 9.6). Yet, surprisingly, the ionoregulatory mechanism responsible for this remarkable alkaline adaptation remains unclear. Therefore, this study sought to investigate how bicarbonate affects the acid-base balancing and ionoregulatory responses of this animal. Here, using a comparative approach, the alkali form of Amur ide and its ancestral freshwater form living in other freshwater basins were each exposed to 50 mM (pH 9.59 ± 0.09), a level close to the alkalinity of Lake Dali Nor, and their physiological (AE1) adjustment of ions and acid-base regulation were investigated. This study highlighted differences in blood pH and serum ions (e.g., Na+, K+, Cl−, and Ca2+), Na+/K+ ATPase (NKA) activity and its mRNA level, and mRNA expression of gill transporters (Na+/H+ exchanger member 2 and/or 3, Na+/HCO3- cotransporter (NBC1), Cl−/HCO3- exchanger, Na+/Cl− cotransporter (NCC), Na+/K+/2Cl− (NKCC1), SLC26A5, and SLC26A6) for alkalinity adaptation between the two forms of Amur ide differing in alkalinity tolerance. Specifically, close relationships among the serum Na+ and mRNA levels of NCC, NKCC1, and NHE, and also NKA and NBC1, in addition to serum Cl− and bicarbonate transporters (e.g., SLC26A5 and SLC26A6), characterized the alkali form of Amur ide. We propose that this ecotype can ensure its transepithelial Cl− and Na+ uptake/base secretions are highly functional, by its basolateral NKA with NBC1 and apical ionic transporters, and especially NCC incorporated with other transporters (e.g., SLC26). This suggests an evolved strong ability to maintain an ion osmotic and acid-base balance for more effectively facilitating its adaptability to the high alkaline environment. This study provides new insights into the physiological responses of the alkaline form of the Amur ide fish for adapting to extreme alkaline conditions. This information could be used as a reference to cultivating alkaline-tolerant fish species in abandoned alkaline waters.
Using Artificial Intelligence for Automatic Segmentation of CT Lung Images in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Herrmann Peter , Busana Mattia , Cressoni Massimo , Lotz Joachim , Moerer Onnen , Saager Leif , Meissner Konrad , Quintel Michael , Gattinoni Luciano
Published: September 2021

Knowledge of gas volume, tissue mass and recruitability measured by the quantitative CT scan analysis (CT-qa) is important when setting the mechanical ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Yet, the manual segmentation of the lung requires a considerable workload. Our goal was to provide an automatic, clinically applicable and reliable lung segmentation procedure. Therefore, a convolutional neural network (CNN) was used to train an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm on 15 healthy subjects (1,302 slices), 100 ARDS patients (12,279 slices), and 20 COVID-19 (1,817 slices). Eighty percent of this populations was used for training, 20% for testing. The AI and manual segmentation at slice level were compared by intersection over union (IoU). The CT-qa variables were compared by regression and Bland Altman analysis. The AI-segmentation of a single patient required 5–10 s vs. 1–2 h of the manual. At slice level, the algorithm showed on the test set an IOU across all CT slices of 91.3 ± 10.0, 85.2 ± 13.9, and 84.7 ± 14.0%, and across all lung volumes of 96.3 ± 0.6, 88.9 ± 3.1, and 86.3 ± 6.5% for normal lungs, ARDS and COVID-19, respectively, with a U-shape in the performance: better in the lung middle region, worse at the apex and base. At patient level, on the test set, the total lung volume measured by AI and manual segmentation had a R2 of 0.99 and a bias −9.8 ml [CI: +56.0/−75.7 ml]. The recruitability measured with manual and AI-segmentation, as change in non-aerated tissue fraction had a bias of +0.3% [CI: +6.2/−5.5%] and −0.5% [CI: +2.3/−3.3%] expressed as change in well-aerated tissue fraction. The AI-powered lung segmentation provided fast and clinically reliable results. It is able to segment the lungs of seriously ill ARDS patients fully automatically.
Low Back Pain Exacerbation Is Predictable Through Motif Identification in Center of Pressure Time Series Recorded During Dynamic Sitting
Authors: Wang Ziheng , Sato Keizo , Nawrin Saida Salima , Widatalla Namareq Salah , Kimura Yoshitaka , Nagatomi Ryoichi
Published: September 2021

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common health problem — sitting on a chair for a prolonged time is considered a significant risk factor. Furthermore, the level of LBP may vary at different times of the day. However, the role of the time-sequence property of sitting behavior in relation to LBP has not been considered. During the dynamic sitting, small changes, such as slight or big sways, have been identified. Therefore, it is possible to identify the motif consisting of such changes, which may be associated with the incidence, exacerbation, or improvement of LBP.

Method: Office chairs installed with pressure sensors were provided to a total of 22 office workers (age = 43.4 ± 8.3 years) in Japan. Pressure sensors data were collected during working days and hours (from morning to evening). The participants were asked to answer subjective levels of pain including LBP. Center of pressure (COP) was calculated from the load level, the changes in COP were analyzed by applying the Toeplitz inverse covariance-based clustering (TICC) analysis, COP changes were categorized into several states. Based on the states, common motifs were identified as a recurring sitting behavior pattern combination of different states by motif-aware state assignment (MASA). Finally, the identified motif was tested as a feature to infer the changing levels of LBP within a day. Changes in the levels of LBP from morning to evening were categorized as exacerbated, did not change, or improved based on the survey questions. Here, we present a novel approach based on social spider algorithm (SSA) and probabilistic neural network (PNN) for the prediction of LBP. The specificity and sensitivity of the LBP inference were compared among ten different models, including SSA-PNN.

Result: There exists a common motif, consisting of stable sitting and slight sway. When LBP level improved toward the evening, the frequency of motif appearance was higher than when LBP was exacerbated (p < 0.05) or the level did not change. The performance of the SSA-PNN optimization was better than that of the other algorithms. Accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score were 59.20, 72.46, 40.94, and 63.24%, respectively.

Conclusion: A lower frequency of a common motif of the COP dynamic changes characterized by stable sitting and slight sway was found to be associated with the exacerbation of LBP in the evening. LBP exacerbation is predictable by AI-based analysis of COP changes during the sitting behavior of the office workers.
Acute Effects of Different Plyometric and Strength Exercises on Balance Performance in Youth Weightlifters
Authors: Werfelli Hanen , Hammami Raouf , Selmi Mohamed Amine , Selmi Walid , Gabrilo Goran , Clark Cain C. T. , Duncan Michael , Sekulic Damir , Granacher Urs , Rebai Haithem
Published: September 2021

Background: High-intensity muscle actions have the potential to temporarily improve the performance which has been denoted as postactivation performance enhancement.

Objectives: This study determined the acute effects of different stretch-shortening (fast vs. low) and strength (dynamic vs. isometric) exercises executed during one training session on subsequent balance performance in youth weightlifters.

Materials and Methods: Sixteen male and female young weightlifters, aged 11.3±0.6years, performed four strength exercise conditions in randomized order, including dynamic strength (DYN; 3 sets of 3 repetitions of 10 RM) and isometric strength exercises (ISOM; 3 sets of maintaining 3s of 10 RM of back-squat), as well as fast (FSSC; 3 sets of 3 repetitions of 20-cm drop-jumps) and slow (SSSC; 3 sets of 3 hurdle jumps over a 20-cm obstacle) stretch-shortening cycle protocols. Balance performance was tested before and after each of the four exercise conditions in bipedal stance on an unstable surface (i.e., BOSU ball with flat side facing up) using two dependent variables, i.e., center of pressure surface area (CoP SA) and velocity (CoP V).

Results: There was a significant effect of time on CoP SA and CoP V [F(1,60)=54.37, d=1.88, p<0.0001; F(1,60)=9.07, d=0.77, p=0.003]. In addition, a statistically significant effect of condition on CoP SA and CoP V [F(3,60)=11.81, d=1.53, p<0.0001; F(3,60)=7.36, d=1.21, p=0.0003] was observed. Statistically significant condition-by-time interactions were found for the balance parameters CoP SA (p<0.003, d=0.54) and CoP V (p<0.002, d=0.70). Specific to contrast analysis, all specified hypotheses were tested and demonstrated that FSSC yielded significantly greater improvements than all other conditions in CoP SA and CoP V [p<0.0001 (d=1.55); p=0.0004 (d=1.19), respectively]. In addition, FSSC yielded significantly greater improvements compared with the two conditions for both balance parameters [p<0.0001 (d=2.03); p<0.0001 (d=1.45)].

Conclusion: Fast stretch-shortening cycle exercises appear to be more effective to improve short-term balance performance in young weightlifters. Due to the importance of balance for overall competitive achievement in weightlifting, it is recommended that young weightlifters implement dynamic plyometric exercises in the fast stretch-shortening cycle during the warm-up to improve their balance performance.
B-Cell RANKL Contributes to Pathogen-Induced Alveolar Bone Loss in an Experimental Periodontitis Mouse Model
Authors: Settem Rajendra P. , Honma Kiyonobu , Chinthamani Sreedevi , Kawai Toshihisa , Sharma Ashu
Published: September 2021

Periodontitis is a bacterially-induced inflammatory disease that leads to tooth loss. It results from the damaging effects of a dysregulated immune response, mediated largely by neutrophils, macrophages, T cells and B cells, on the tooth-supporting tissues including the alveolar bone. Specifically, infiltrating B cells at inflamed gingival sites with an ability to secrete RANKL and inflammatory cytokines are thought to play roles in alveolar bone resorption. However, the direct contribution of B cells in alveolar bone resorption has not been fully appreciated. In this study we sought to define the contribution of RANKL expressing B cells in periodontitis by employing a mouse model of pathogen-induced periodontitis that used conditional knockout mice with B cell-targeted RANKL deletion. Briefly, alveolar bone loss was assessed in the wild-type, B-cell deficient (Jh), or B-cell-RANKL deleted (RANKLΔB) mice orally infected with the periodontal pathogen Tannerella forsythia. The RANKLΔB mice were obtained by crossing Cd19-Cre knock-in mice with mice homozygous for conditional RANKL-flox allele (RANKLflox/flox). The alveolar bone resorption was determined by morphometric analysis and osteoclastic activity of the jaw bone. In addition, the bone resorptive potential of the activated effector B cells was assessed ex vivo. The data showed that the RANKL producing B cells increased significantly in the T. forsythia-infected wild-type mice compared to the sham-infected mice. Moreover, T. forsythia-infection induced higher alveolar bone loss in the wild-type and RANKLflox/flox mice compared to infection either in the B cell deficient (Jh) or the B-cell specific RANKL deletion (RANKLΔB) mice. These data established that the oral-pathogen activated B cells contribute significantly to alveolar bone resorption via RANKL production.
Lung Ultrasound Assessment of Focal and Non-focal Lung Morphology in Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Pierrakos Charalampos , Smit Marry R. , Pisani Luigi , Paulus Frederique , Schultz Marcus J. , Constantin Jean-Michel , Chiumello Davide , Mojoli Francesco , Mongodi Silvia , Bos Lieuwe D. J.
Published: September 2021

Background: The identification of phenotypes based on lung morphology can be helpful to better target mechanical ventilation of individual patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We aimed to assess the accuracy of lung ultrasound (LUS) methods for classification of lung morphology in critically ill ARDS patients under mechanical ventilation.

Methods: This was a post hoc analysis on two prospective studies that performed LUS and chest computed tomography (CT) scanning at the same time. Expert panels from the two participating centers separately developed two LUS methods for classifying lung morphology based on LUS aeration scores from a 12-region exam (Amsterdam and Lombardy method). Moreover, a previously developed LUS method based on anterior LUS scores was tested (Piedmont method). Sensitivity and specificity of all three LUS methods was assessed in the cohort of the other center(s) by using CT as the gold standard for classification of lung morphology.

Results: The Amsterdam and Lombardy cohorts consisted of 32 and 19 ARDS patients, respectively. From these patients, 23 (45%) had focal lung morphology while others had non-focal lung morphology. The Amsterdam method could classify focal lung morphology with a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 100%, while the Lombardy method had a sensitivity and specificity of 100 and 61%. The Piedmont method had a sensitivity and specificity of 91 and 75% when tested on both cohorts. With both the Amsterdam and Lombardy method, most patients could be classified based on the anterior regions alone.

Conclusion: LUS-based methods can accurately classify lung morphology in invasively ventilated ARDS patients compared to gold standard chest CT. The anterior LUS regions showed to be the most discriminant between focal and non-focal lung morphology, although accuracy increased moderately when lateral and posterior LUS regions were integrated in the method.
Runoff Losses in Nitrogen and Phosphorus From Paddy and Maize Cropping Systems: A Field Study in Dongjiang Basin, South China
Authors: Zeng Feifan , Zuo Zheng , Mo Juncheng , Chen Chengyu , Yang Xingjian , Wang Jinjin , Wang Yi , Zhao Zhongqiu , Chen Tianyi , Li Yongtao , Zhang Zhen , Hu Zheng , Xu Huijuan
Published: September 2021

Graphical Abstract

The experimental location and setup details.
Long-Term Effects of Climate and Competition on Radial Growth, Recovery, and Resistance in Mongolian Pines
Authors: Sun ShouJia , Zhang JinSong , Zhou Jia , Guan ChongFan , Lei Shuai , Meng Ping , Yin ChangJun
Published: September 2021

Understanding the response of tree growth and drought vulnerability to climate and competition is critical for managing plantation forests. We analyzed the growth of Mongolian pines in six forests planted by the Three-North Shelter Forest Program with tree-ring data and stand structures. A retroactive reconstruction method was used to depict the growth-competition relationships of Mongolian pines during the growth period and their climatic responses under different competition levels. Drought vulnerability was analyzed by measuring the basal area increment (BAI) of different competition indices (CIs). In young trees, differences in BAIs in stands with different CIs were not statistically significant. After 15–20 years, medium- and high-CI stands had significantly lower tree-ring widths (TWs) and BAIs than the low-CI stands (p < 0.05). The standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), precipitation, relative humidity, and vapor pressure deficit were major factors affecting tree growth. On a regional scale, climate outweighed competition in determining radial growth. The relative contribution of climatic factors increased with the gap in SPEI between plantation sites and the native range, while the reverse pattern of the competition-growth relationship was observed. Drought reduced TWs and BAIs at all sites. Stands of different CIs exhibited similar resistance, but, compared with low-CI stands, high- and medium-CI stands had significantly lower recovery, resilience, and relative resilience, indicating they were more susceptible to drought stresses. Modeled CI was significantly negatively related to resistance, resilience, and relative resilience, indicating a density-dependence of tree response to drought. After exposure to multiple sequential drought events, the relative resilience of high-CI stands decreased to almost zero; this failure to fully recover to pre-drought growth rates suggests increased mortality in the future. In contrast, low-CI stands are more likely to survive in hotter, more arid climates. These results provide a better understanding of the roles of competition and climate on the growth of Mongolian pines and offer a new perspective for investigating the density-dependent recovery and resilience of these forests.
The Triple Jags of Dietary Fibers in Cereals: How Biotechnology Is Longing for High FiberGrains
Authors: Botticella Ermelinda , Savatin Daniel Valentin , Sestili Francesco
Published: September 2021

Cereals represent an important source of beneficial compounds for human health, such as macro- and micronutrients, vitamins, and bioactive molecules. Generally, the consumption of whole-grain products is associated with significant health benefits, due to the elevated amount of dietary fiber (DF). However, the consumption of whole-grain foods is still modest compared to more refined products. In this sense, it is worth focusing on the increase of DF fractions inside the inner compartment of the seed, the endosperm, which represents the main part of the derived flour. The main components of the grain fiber are arabinoxylan (AX), β-glucan (βG), and resistant starch (RS). These three components are differently distributed in grains, however, all of them are represented in the endosperm. AX and βG, classified as non-starch polysaccharides (NSP), are in cell walls, whereas, RS is in the endosperm, being a starch fraction. As the chemical structure of DFs influences their digestibility, the identification of key actors involved in their metabolism can pave the way to improve their function in human health. Here, we reviewed the main achievements of plant biotechnologies in DFs manipulation in cereals, highlighting new genetic targets to be exploited, and main issues to face to increase the potential of cereals in fighting malnutrition.
Applying Fuzzy Fault Tree Method to Evaluate the Reliability of College Classroom Teaching
Authors: Wang Liangliang , Fan Mingfang , Zhang Feng
Published: September 2021

The evaluation of classroom teaching quality is closely related to the development of higher education as a scientific and effective evaluation system that can provide a solid foundation for formulating educational policies. Therefore, an evaluation model of classroom teaching quality in colleges and universities is established based on the fuzzy fault tree theory with “classroom teaching failure” as the top event to effectively evaluate the reliability of college classroom teaching and optimize the teaching strategies. In consideration of the lack of availability and dynamics of classroom teaching data, fuzzy numbers are used to describe the probability of underlying events. In addition, the top event probability of the fuzzy fault tree is calculated by the double-layer Monte Carlo method (MCM), which analyzes the classroom teaching effect based on the fuzzy fault tree reasonable. In summary, the quantitative evaluation system of classroom teaching quality based on fuzzy fault trees can evaluate classroom teaching more comprehensively and dynamically and help to improve the teaching quality of higher education.
Influence Factors for Decision-Making Performance of Suicide Attempters and Suicide Ideators: The Roles of Somatic Markers and Explicit Knowledge
Authors: Wang Lingling , Li Jingmin , Liu Hailing , Wang Zhongpeng , Yang Li , An Li
Published: September 2021

Impaired decision-making has been observed in suicide attempters during the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Decision-making performance is influenced by somatic markers and explicit knowledge, but it is still unclear of the influencing role on decision-making performance in suicidal individuals. We aimed to investigate whether there is a decision-making deficit in suicide attempters, suicide ideators, as well as the distinct roles of somatic markers and explicit knowledge wherein. Thirteen suicide attempters, 23 suicide ideators, and 19 healthy controls performed the IGT. Both somatic markers (by the skin conductance responses, SCRs) and explicit knowledge (by the subjective experience rating and a list of questions) were recorded. No significant differences were found among the three groups on IGT performance, explicit knowledge, and anticipatory SCRs. IGT Performance of suicide attempters was positively correlated with explicit knowledge index while behavior performance was positively associated with the SCRs in healthy controls. These results indicate that the suicide attempters seem to apply a compensatory strategy by mostly utilizing explicit knowledge to perform normally as healthy controls in the IGT.