bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of breed-specific genomic variants in Colombian Creole pig breeds by whole-genome sequencing
Authors: Mesa Rafael Suárez , Ros-Freixedes Roger , Laghouaouta Houda , Pena Ramona N. , Hernández-Ortiz Byron , Rondón-Barragán Iang , Estany Joan
Published: December 2022

Dissecting genetic variation of local breeds is important for the success of conservation. In this research, we investigated the genomic variation of Colombian Creole (CR) pigs, with a focus on the breed-specific variants in the exonic region of 34 genes with reported effects on adaptive and economical traits. Seven individuals of each of the three CR breeds (CM: Casco de Mula; SP: San Pedreño; and ZU: Zungo) were whole-genome sequenced along with seven Iberian (IB) pigs and seven pigs of each of the four most used cosmopolitan (CP) breeds (Duroc, Large White × Landrace, and Pietrain). Molecular variability in CR (6,451,218 variants; from 3,919,242, in SP, to 4,648,069, in CM) was comparable to that in CP, but higher than in IB. For the investigated genes, SP pigs displayed less exonic variants (178) than ZU (254), CM (263), IB (200), and the individual CP genetic types (201 to 335). Sequence variation at these genes confirmed the resemblance of CR to IB, but also that CR, particularly ZU and CM, are not exempt from selective introgression of other breeds. A total of 50 exonic variants were identified as being potentially specific to CR, including a high-impact deletion in the intron between exons 15 and 16 of the leptin receptor gene that is only present in CM and ZU. The identification of breed-specific variants in genes related to adaptive and economical traits can bolster the understanding of the role of gene-environment interactions on local adaptation and points the way for effective breeding and conservation of CR pigs.
MMP14 expression levels accurately predict the presence of extranodal extensions in oral squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Noda Yuri , Ishida Mitsuaki , Yamaka Ryosuke , Ueno Yasuhiro , Sakagami Tomofumi , Fujisawa Takuo , Iwai Hiroshi , Tsuta Koji
Published: December 2022

Background: Extranodal extension (ENE) is an adverse prognostic factor for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and OSCC patients with ENE require neck dissection. In this study, we developed a novel ENE histology-based pathological predictor using MMP14 expression patterns in small biopsy specimens.
Methods: A total of 71 surgically resected tissue, 64 dissected lymph node (LN), and 46 biopsy specimens were collected from 71 OSCC patients. Immunohistochemical analyses of total MMP14 expression in the tumour nest and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were performed using the MMP14 co-scoring system (high- or low-risk). The association analysis of MMP14 expression in metastatic LNs was performed with respect to the presence and absence of ENE. Clinicopathological analyses and multivariate examinations were performed to assess the risks of metastasis and ENE presence. The predictive value of ENE was examined.
Results: High-risk MMP14 expression was detected in metastatic LN specimens with ENE. MMP14 expression in tumour nests and CAFs and its overexpression at the tumour–stromal interface significantly correlated with the presence of ENE. The MMP14 co-scoring system was an independent risk predictor for ENE, with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of over 80% in biopsy samples.
Conclusions: The MMP14 co-scoring system accurately predicted ENE presence via immunohistochemical evaluation of small biopsies. This system is a simple, accurate, and inexpensive immunohistochemical approach that can be used in routine pathological diagnosis for effective treatment planning.
Dissection and validation of a novel QTL controlling spikelet number on 5B in bread wheat
Authors: Si Yaoqi , Tian Shuiquan , Niu Jianqing , Yu Zhongqing , Ma Shengwei , Lu Qiao , Wu Huilan , Ling Hong-Qing , Zheng Shusong
Published: December 2022

Spikelet number per spike (SNS)is an important target trait for improving wheat yield. Thus, the identification and verification of novel quantitative trait loci (QTL)/genes controlling SNS isessential for dissecting the underlying molecular basisand hence for grain yield improvement. In thisstudy, we constructed a high-density genetic map for the recombinant inbred line (RIL)population derived from Zhengnong 17 (ZN17) and Yangbaimai (YBM) using 99,031 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers from the Wheat660K SNP array. Based on this genetic map, a total of 19 QTL associated with SNS were detected in nine environments. Among them, four QTL were identifiedin more than six environments, explaining the phenotypic variance ranging from 2.91% to 37.71%. Particularly, QSns.ucas-5B isprobably a novellocus, which islocated on chromosome arm 5BL flanking by the markers AX-110648717 and AX-109557107, withexplained the phenotypic variation range from 5.09% to 7.26% in sixenvironments. A residual heterozygous line was developed for QSns.ucas-5B, and the SNSshowed 6.74~13.17% higher in lines of elite haplotype from ZN17 than that from YBM at four diverse environments, which implied the promising potential to improve SNS using this QTL. Simultaneously, the ZN17haplotype in QSns.ucas-5B has a consistent positive effect on grain number per spike and grain weight per spike. These results lay the foundation for the precise mappingand cloning of gene(s) underlying QSns.ucas-5B in the future. The developed and validated InDel marker of QSns.ucas-5Bcould be appliedin molecular breeding aiming to improve wheat grain yield.
Prospective, longitudinal analysis of the gut microbiome in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer predicts response to neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Sun Yi , Zhang Xiang , Jin Chuandi , Yue Kaile , Sheng Dashuang , Zhang Tao , Dou Xue , Liu Jing , Jing Hongbiao , Zhang Lei , Yue Jinbo
Published: December 2022

Background
Neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (nCCRT) is a standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). The gut microbiome may be reshaped by radiotherapy through its effects on microbial composition, mucosal immunity, and the systemic immune system. We sought to clarify dynamic, longitudinal changes in the gut microbiome and blood immunomodulators throughout nCCRT and to explore the relationship of such changes with outcomes after nCCRT
Methods
A total of 39 LARC patients were recruited in this study. Fecal samples and peripheral blood samples were collected from 39 LARC patients before, during nCCRT (at week 3), and after nCCRT (at week 5). The gut microbiota and the community structure were analyzed based on the 16S rRNA sequencing of the V3-V4 region. Levels of blood immunomodulatory proteins were measured with a Millipore HCKPMAG-11K kit and Luminex 200 platform (Luminex, USA).
Results
Cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis revealed that the gut microbiome profile and enterotype exhibited characteristic variations in patients with good response (TRG 0–1) vs poor response (TRG 2–3) to nCCRT. Sparse partial least squares regression and canonical correspondence analyses showed multivariate associations between specific microbial taxa, host immunomodulatory proteins, immune cells, and outcomes after nCCRT. An integrated model consisting of baseline Clostridium sensu stricto 1 levels, fold changes in Intestinimonas, blood levels of the herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM/CD270), and lymphocyte counts could predict good vs poor outcome after nCCRT (area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve [1] = 0.821; area under the precision-recall curve [AUPR] = 0.911).
Conclusions
Our results showed that longitudinal variations in specific gut taxa, associated host immune cells and immunomodulatory proteins before and during nCCRT could be useful for early predictions of the efficacy of nCCRT, which could guide the choice of individualized treatment for patients with LARC.
Cool Kids Group-CBT in a Spanish Sample of Children and Adolescents with Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Galí¹ Dafne , Forcadell² Eduard , Primé-Tous² Mireia , Puig² Olga , Lera-Miguel² Sara
Published: December 2022

Aim: Anxiety disorders (AD) are estimated in a 6’5% worldwide childhood and adolescence and produce a negative impact over functioning and life quality. Individual and group Cognitive Behavioural Therapies (CBT) have demonstrated their short and long-term efficacy. Cool Kids (CK) is a 10-session CBT-based group program to be administered to 7-17 aged participants with AD and their parents. CK has demonstrated its efficacy compared to control groups. Our aim was to analyze the effectiveness of CK in a clinical cohort of Spanish children and teens with AD.
Methods: CK was offered to 57 patients with AD and caregivers attended in the Hospital Clínic, Barcelona. The Spence Children Anxiety Scale (SCAS) and the Child Anxiety Life Interference Scale (CALIS), children and parent versions, were administered at pre-treatment and post-treatment.
Results: The results in all global registered measures showed a reduction of the symptoms and their interference in daily functioning, as well as a greater improvement in those participants with more completed sessions.
Conclusions: These results have showed that CK has benefits in reducing the anxiety severity and its interference over individual and family functioning in a Spanish clinical cohort.
Spatial distribution of PD-1+CD39+CD8+ T cell in TME refined its tumorigenic and immunotherapeutic biomarker in lung cancer
Authors: Zhai Jiawei , Zhang Yaoxin , Wang Hongbin , lv Leilei , Shen Yu , Qu Qiuxia , Chen Cheng
Published: December 2022

Purpose
CD8 + T cells in tumors are heterogenous and comprise multiple differentiation states. It has been reported that human tumor-infiltrating CD8 + T cells can express CD39 and more evidences proposed CD39 as a marker of exhausted and tumor reactive CD8 + T cells. However, no studies have delved into the spatial distribution of the CD39 + CD8 + T cell subsets in lung cancer, which could help to evaluate the immune microenvironment for developing the future immunotherapy approaches.
Methods
A total of 53 lung cancer patients prior to any therapy were included. A subset of tumor-infiltrating CD8 + T cells marked by expression of the immunosuppressive ATP ecto-nucleotidase CD39 and PD-1 was analyzed. Neoplasm-superficial biopsy and intratumoral EBUS-TBNA were used to assess the peripheral and central tumor microenvironment respectively.
Results
The CD39 + CD8 + T cells were ubiquitously infiltrated in lung cancer tissue, as well as dominantly accumulated in peritumoral compartment of larger tumor. In comparison to their CD39- counterparts, CD39 + CD8 + T cells from both sites showed significantly higher expression of PD-1 in line with co-distribution of PD-1 + CD8 + T cell in TME of lung cancer. Particularly, most of CD39 + CD8 + T cells located at peripheral TME exhibited an exhausted phenotype compatible with PD-1 expression in contrast to the reported center of tumor. Furthermore, compared with CD39 + CD8 + T cells, PD-1 + CD39 + CD8 + T cells act as a better biomarker to predict response to anti-PD-1 therapy.
Conclusion
Spatial heterogeneity may be critical to elicit CD39 expression on lung cancer associated CD8 + T cells. More increased of PD-1 + CD39 + CD8 + T cells within peripheral TME constitute tumorigenic role and act as a candidate biomarker for immunotherapy to lung cancer.
How photo editing in social media shapes self-perceived attractiveness and self-esteem via self-objectification and physical appearance comparisons
Authors: Ozimek Phillip , Lainas Semina , Bierhoff Hans-Werner , Rohmann Elke
Published: December 2022

As photo editing behavior (PEB) to enhance one’s appearance in photos becomes more and more prevalent on social network sites (SNSs), potential risks are increasingly discussed as well. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between PEB, self-objectification, physical appearance comparisons, self-perceived attractiveness, and self-esteem. 403 participants completed self-report questionnaires measuring these constructs. A parallel-sequential multiple mediation model was conducted to investigate the impact of PEB on self-esteem via multiple mediators. The results indicate that PEB has a negative effect on self-perceived attractiveness and self-esteem mediated via self-objectification and physical appearance comparisons. Therefore, SNS users should be aware of potential negative consequences when using photo editing applications or filters.
Different molecular pathways are disrupted in Pyoderma gangrenosum patients and are associated with the severity of the disease.
Authors: Moura Ronald Rodrigues , Brandão Lucas , Moltrasio Chiara , Agrelli Almerinda , Tricarico Paola M. , Maronese Carlo A. , Crovella Sergio , Marzano Angelo Valerio
Published: December 2022

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare inflammatory skin disease classified within the spectrum of neutrophilic dermatoses. The pathophysiology of PG is yet incompletely understood but a prominent role of genetics facilitating immune dysregulation has been proposed. This study investigated the potential contribution of disrupted molecular pathways in determining the susceptibility and clinical severity of PG. Variant Enrichment Analysis (VEA), a bioinformatic pipeline applicable for Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) data was performed in unrelated PG patients. Eleven patients were enrolled, including 5 with localized and 6 with multilesional PG. Fourteen pathways were exclusively enriched in the “multilesional” group, mainly related to immune system (i.e., type I interferon signaling pathway), cell metabolism and structural functions. In the “localized” group, nine pathways were found to be exclusively enriched, mostly related to cell signaling and cell metabolism. Genetically altered pathways involved in immune system biology and wound repair appear to be nodal pathogenic drivers in PG pathogenesis.
CT-based radiomics for predicting radio-chemotherapy response and overall survival in nonsurgical esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Li Chao , Pan Yuteng , Yang Xianghui , Luo Chenhua , Qiu Jianfeng , Hu Yongmei , Zhang Zijian , Shi Liting , Shen Liangfang , Zhou Rongrong , Lu Fushan , Xiao Xiang , Chen Tingyin , Jing Di
Published: December 2022

Background
To predict treatment response and 2 years overall survival (OS) of radio-chemotherapy in patients with esophageal cancer (EC) by radiomics based on the computed tomography (CT) images.
Methods
This study retrospectively collected 171 nonsurgical EC patients treated with radiochemotherapy from Jan 2010 to Jan 2019. 80 patients were randomly divided into training (n = 64) and validation (n = 16) cohorts to predict the radiochemotherapy response. The models predicting treatment response were established by Lasso and logistic regression. A total of 156 patients were allocated into the training cohort (n = 110), validation cohort (n = 23) and test set (n = 23) to predict 2-year OS. The models predicting 2-year OS were established by the Lasso Cox model and Cox proportional hazards model.
Results
To predict the radiochemotherapy response, WFK as a radiomics feature, and clinical stages and clinical M stages (cM) as clinical features were selected to construct the clinical-radiomics model, achieving 0.78 and 0.75 AUC (area under the curve) in the training and validation sets, respectively. Furthermore, radiomics features called WFI and WGI combined with clinical features (smoking index, pathological types, cM) were the optimal predictors to predict 2-year OS. The AUC values of the clinical-radiomics model were 0.71 and 0.70 in the training set and validation set, respectively.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated that planning CT-based radiomics showed the predictability of the radiochemotherapy response and 2-year OS in nonsurgical esophageal carcinoma. The predictive results prior to treatment have the potential to assist physicians in choosing the optimal therapeutic strategy to prolong overall survival.
Improved GNSS integer ambiguity resolution method based on the column oriented Cholesky decomposition
Authors: Jiao Yingxiang , Li Kezhao , Tian Chendong , Zhu Guoku , Yue Zhe , Xu Keke
Published: December 2022

Because the traditional Cholesky decomposition algorithm still has some problems such as computational complexity and scattered structure among matrices when solving the GNSS ambiguity, in order to further improve the computational efficiency of the least squares ambiguity reduction correlation process in the carrier phase integer ambiguity solution. In this paper, the decomposition process of traditional matrix elements is divided into two steps: multiplication update and column reduction of square root calculation and column division calculation. The existing Cholesky decomposition algorithm is improved, and a column oriented Cholesky (C-Cholesky) algorithm is proposed to further improve the efficiency of matrix decomposition, so as to shorten the calculation time of integer ambiguity reduction correlation. The results show that this method is effective and superior, and can improve the data processing efficiency by about 12% without changing the integer ambiguity accuracy of the traditional Cholesky algorithm.
The psc-CVM assessment system: A three-stage type system for CVM assessment based on deep learning
Authors: Li Hairui , Li Haizhen , Yuan Lingjun , Liu Chao , Xiao Shengzhao , Liu Zhen , Zhou Guoli , Dong Ting , Ouyang Ningjuan , Liu Lu , Ma Chenglong , Feng Yang , Zheng Youyi , Xia Lunguo , Fang Bing
Published: December 2022

Background
Many scholars have proven cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) method can predict the growth and development and assist in choosing the best time for treatment. However, assessing CVM is a complex process. The experience and seniority of the clinicians have an enormous impact on judgment. This study aims to establish a fully automated, high-accuracy CVM assessment system called the psc-CVM assessment system, based on deep learning, to provide valuable reference information for the growth period determination.
Methods
This study used 10200 lateral cephalograms as the data set (7111 in train set, 1544 in validation set and 1545 in test set) to train the system. The psc-CVM assessment system is designed as three parts with different roles, each operating in a specific order. 1) Position Network for locating the position of cervical vertebrae; 2) Shape Recognition Network for recognizing and extracting the shapes of cervical vertebrae; and 3) CVM Assessment Network for assessing CVM according to the shapes of cervical vertebrae. Statistical analysis was conducted to detect the performance of the system and the agreement of CVM assessment between the system and the expert panel. Heat maps were analyzed to understand better what the system had learned.
Results
The system has achieved good performance for CVM assessment with an average AUC (the area under the curve) of 0.94 and total accuracy of 70.42%, as evaluated on the test set. The overall ICC between the psc-CVM assessment system and the expert panel was 0.946. The F1 score rank for the psc-CVM assessment system was: CVS (cervical vertebral maturation stage) 6 > CVS1 > CVS4 > CVS5 > CVS3 > CVS2. The area of the third (C3), fourth (C4) cervical vertebrae and the lower edge of second (C2) cervical vertebrae were activated when the system were assessing the images.
Conclusions
The results showed that the psc-CVM assessment system achieved high accuracy in CVM assessment. The system in this study was significantly consistent with expert panels in CVM assessment, indicating that the system can be used as an efficient, accurate, and stable diagnostic aid to provide a clinical aid for determining growth and developmental stages by CVM.
Prevalence and Predictors of Smartphone Addiction among Medical Students in China during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Huan , Tao Xiubin , Chi Chenru , He Yumei , Zhang Ming
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveSmartphone addiction is a common condition among medical students. Recent studies have reported the prevalence of Smartphone addiction among students, but there are fewer studies on the situation and influencing factors of smartphone addiction among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. In our study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of Chinese medical students’ smartphone addiction and its Predictors.MethodA cross-sectional survey was conducted from March 13 to 30, 2022, by administering an online questionnaire to the students of Wannan Medical College. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS ver. 20.0.ResultsOf 3227 students who completed the survey, 1,968 (61.0%) had smartphone addiction. Gender (p=0.000), adaptation to the online learning (p=0.001), perceived study pressure (p=0.000), high psychological stress (p=0.000), academic burnout (p=0.000) and eHealth Literacy (p=0.000) strong associations of smartphone addiction. PSS-4 and academic burnout were highly correlated with smartphone addiction （P<0.001）. EHealth Literacy was a protective factor of smartphone addiction.ConclusionThis survey shows that the Chinese medical students had a very high rate of smartphone addiction during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about changes in the way medical students learn and increased associated, which has exacerbated the already existing smartphone addiction among medical college students. Therefore, medical colleges educators develop educational strategies to reduce smartphone addiction is essential.
Interspecific interactions between an invasive and an imperiled reptile
Authors: McKnight Sean Lewis , Kluever Bryan , MacKenzie Darryl , Acevedo Miguel , Johnson Steve
Published: December 2022

Invasive species are a major driver in the global decline of biodiversity. Invasive herpetofauna cause ecological harm through different mechanisms that vary in scope and severity, and Florida boasts more established nonnative herpetofauna species than any other region in the world. There, black spiny-tailed iguanas (Ctenosaura similis) are one of several large invasive reptiles known to occupy the burrows of the imperiled, native gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) and may even exclude tortoises from their burrows. To test the hypothesis that iguanas exclude tortoises from their burrows, we conducted a field study on Gasparilla Island, Florida, USA. We used a burrow scope to estimate occupancy of each species within tortoise burrows at sites with and without sustained iguana removal efforts and modelled co-occurrence patterns between the two species. We used two-species occupancy analyses to test three predictions relating to gopher tortoise burrow use. Our results support the hypothesis that gopher tortoises are excluded from their burrows by black spiny-tailed iguanas. The energetic cost to a tortoise of excavating a new burrow is unknown but may be substantial. In addition, tortoises are more vulnerable to extreme temperatures and predation while searching for a new burrow location and digging a burrow. Our results also show that sustained iguana removal is likely effective at reducing iguana occupancy of tortoise burrows. Other large invasive reptiles and perhaps even some native species typically thought of as “burrow commensals” may have similar deleterious effects on tortoise behavior.
Sonochemical synthesis of Cu x O/Ag nanoparticles on exfoliated graphite: Application for enhanced electrochemical detection of H 2 O 2 in milk
Authors: Song Jie , Wan Yating , Yang Chen , Deng Qiuju , Cui Yingde , Yan Zhihong , Liu Yi
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a novel composite is constructed as a non-enzymatic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensor by liquid-phase exfoliation method, which is composed of silver, copper oxide and cuprous oxide-doped a few layers graphene (CuxO/Ag@FLG). Its surface morphology and composition are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photo spectroscopy (XPS), and its H2O2 sensing performance include catalytic reduction and quantitative detection is studied with electrochemical method. Our sensor had a high sensitivity of about 1272.62 μA mM-1 cm-2 (R2=0.9923) in a extremely wide range of concentrations from 10 μM to 20 mM H2O2, a fast response (about 5 s) and low limit of detection (S/N=3) of 2.13 μM. The sensor exhibits outstanding selectivity in the presence of various biological interference, such as dopamine, ascorbic acid, uric acid, citric acid, etc. In addition, the constructed sensor continued 95% current responsiveness after one month of storage further points to its long-term stability. Last but not least, it has a good recovery rate in the milk sold on the open market, indicating that it has a wide range of application possibilities in the food industry and biological medicine.
Effective Connectivity in a Duration Selective Cortico-Cerebellar Network
Authors: Protopapa Foteini , Kulashekhar Shrikanth , Hayashi Masamichi J. , Kanai Ryota , Bueti Domenica
Published: December 2022

How the human brain represents millisecond unit of time is far from clear. A recent neuroimaging study revealed the existence in the human premotor cortex of a topographic representation of time i.e., neuronal units selectively responsive to specific durations and topographically organized on the cortical surface. By using high resolution functional Magnetic Resonance Images here, we go beyond this previous work, showing duration preferences across a wide network of cortical and subcortical brain areas: from cerebellum to primary visual, parietal, premotor and prefrontal cortices. Most importantly, we identify the effective connectivity structure between these different brain areas and their duration selective neural units. The results highlight the role of the cerebellum as the network hub and that of medial premotor cortex as the final stage of duration recognition. Interestingly, when a specific duration is presented, only the communication strength between the units selective to that specific duration and to the neighboring durations is affected. These findings link for the first time, duration preferences within single brain region with connectivity dynamics between regions, suggesting a communication mode that is partially duration specific.
Clinicomics-guided distant metastasis prediction in breast cancer via artificial intelligence
Authors: Zhang Chao , Qi Lisha , Cai Jun , Wu Haixiao , Xu Yao , Lin Yile , Li Zhijun , Chekhonin Vladimir P. , Peltzer Karl , Cao Manqing , Yin Zhuming , Wang Xin , Ma Wenjuan
Published: December 2022

Background: Breast cancer has become the most common malignant tumour worldwide. Distant metastasis is one of the leading causes of breast cancer-related death. To verify the performance of clinicomics-guided distant metastasis risk prediction for breast cancer via artificial intelligence and to investigate the accuracy of the created prediction models for metachronous distant metastasis, bone metastasis and visceral metastasis.
Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 6703 breast cancer patients from 2011 to 2016 in our hospital. The figures of magnetic resonance imaging scanning and ultrasound were collected, and the figures features of distant metastasis in breast cancer were detected. Clinicomics-guided nomogram was proven to be with significant better ability on distant metastasis prediction than the nomogram constructed by only clinical or radiographic data.
Results: Three clinicomics-guided prediction nomograms on distant metastasis, bone metastasis and visceral metastasis were created and validated. These models can potentially guide metachronous distant metastasis screening and lead to the implementation of individualized prophylactic therapy for breast cancer patients.
Conclusion: Our study is the first study to make cliniomics a reality. Such cliniomics strategy possesses the development potential in artificial intelligence medicine.
Higher Dietary Cost Is Associated with Higher Diet Quality: A Cross-Sectional Study among Adults from Henan province
Authors: Zhai Junya , Ma Baihui , Lyu Quanjun , Guo Lijun , Khatun Pipasha , Cong Minghua , Kong Yongxia
Published: December 2022

Objectives:Food price is a determining factor in food choices. However, its relationship with diet quality is unclear in Chinese adults. This study aimed to examine daily energy-adjusted dietary cost (CNY/2000kcal) concerning diet quality in northeast central Chinese adults.Design:Cross-sectional study. The food consumed by 680 Chinese adults from Henan province during the year 2020 was recorded by 24-h dietary recalls. Three dietary quality indices, namely the nutrient-rich foods (NRF) index, the mean adequacy ratio (MAR), and the energy density (ED), were adopted. Daily energy-adjusted diet cost was calculated by dividing the estimated daily diet costs (CNY/day) by the energy intake per day (kcal/day) and multiplying 2000.Setting:Three communities in Zhengzhou city, Henan province, China.Participants:A total of 680 adults were recruited from Henan as the subjects.Results: Subjects who closely adhered to the NRF9.2, MAR, and ED paid daily ¥8.92, ¥13.17, and ¥14.34 more for food consumption, respectively, than those who weakly adhered to these dietary patterns. Furthermore, adjusted linear regression analysis revealed that an increase in ¥1 of the energy-adjusted diet cost per day was associated with a change of 0.494 units (P< 0.001), 0.003 units (P<0.001), and -0.018 units (P<0.001) in the NRF9.2, MAR, and ED, respectively.Conclusion:Higher energy-adjusted diet costs were associated with higher-quality diets. This might be of importance for public health policies in an effort to develop strategies to promote healthy diets by regulating food and diet costs.
Micropatterned Primary Hepatocyte Co-Culture (HEPATOPAC) for Fatty Liver Disease Modeling and Drug Screening
Authors: Cottier Karissa E. , Bhalerao Devika , Lewis Candice , Gaffney Jeannemarie , Heyward Scott A.
Published: December 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a highly prevalent, progressive disorder and growing public health concern. To date, no treatments exist for NAFLD. To address this issue, considerable research has been undertaken in pursuit of new NAFLD therapeutics. Development of effective, high-throughput in vitro models are an important aspect of drug discovery. Here, a micropatterned hepatocyte coculture (MPCC) was used to model liver steatosis and NAFLD. The MPCC model (HEPATOPAC) involves cells patterned onto a standard 96-well plate, increasing throughput and allowing the cultures can be handled and imaged like 2D cultures. Treatment of MPCC with free fatty acids (FFA), high glucose and fructose (HGF), or a combination of both induces hepatic steatosis. Additionally, inclusion of Kupffer cells to generate a tri-culture (MPTC) increased lipid loading induced by steatotic media. MPCC treatment with ACC1/ACC2 inhibitors, as either a preventative or reversal agent showed efficacy against FFA induced hepatic steatosis. Drug induced steatosis was also evaluated. Treatment with valproic acid showed steatosis induction in a lean background, which was significantly potentiated in a fatty liver background. Additionally, these media treatments changed expression of fatty liver related genes. Treatment of MPCC with FFA, HGF, or a combination reversibly altered expression of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, insulin signaling, and lipid transport. These changes were largely consistent with data from other clinical or in vivo fatty liver studies. Together, these data demonstrate that MPCC and MPTC are easy to use long-term functional in vitro models of NAFLD. MPCC and MPTC are able to replicate numerous clinical and in vivo NAFLD observations, allowing their broad utility for compound screening, drug toxicity evaluation and assessment of gene expression changes.
The best location for the application of static magnetic fields based on biokinetic coefficients in complete-mix activated sludge process
Authors: Asgari Ghorban , Seid-Mohammadi Abdolmotaleb , Shokoohi Reza , Samarghandi Mohammad Reza , Diger Glen T , Malekolkalami Behrooz , Khoshniyat Ramin
Published: December 2022

The use of kinetic coefficients for the mathematical expression of biochemical processes and the relationship between effective parameters is importance. Change of biokinetic coefficients in the complete-mix activated sludge processes were calculated for 1 month operation in three series of activated sludge model (ASM) in a pilot-scale. 15 mT intensity of static magnetic fields (SMFs) applied on the aeration reactor (ASM 1), clarifier reactor (ASM 2) and, return sludge pipe (ASM 3) for 1 hour, daily. During the operation of systems five basic biokinetic coefficients such as maximum specific substrate utilization rate (k), heterotrophic half-saturation substrate concentration (Ks), decay coefficient (kd), yield coefficient (Y) and, maximum specific microbial growth rate (μmax) were determined. The rate of k (g COD/g Cells.d) in ASM 1 was 2.69% and, 22.79% higher than ASM 2 and, ASM 3. The value of Ks (mg COD/L) was 54.44 and, 71.13 (mg/L) lower than the ASM 2 and, ASM 3. The rate of kd ASM 1, ASM 2 and, ASM 3 were 0.070, 0.054 and, 0.516 (d-1). The value of Y (kg VSS/kg COD) in ASM 1 was 0.58% and, 0.48% lower than ASM 2 and, ASM 3. The rate of μmax (d−1) in ASM 1 was 0.197 this value for ASM 2 and ASM 3 were 0.324 and 0.309 (d-1). Related to biokinetic coefficients the best location for application of 15 mT SMFs was the aeration reactor where the present of oxygen, substrate and, SMFs have the greatest impact on the positive changes of these coefficients.
Glycosylation of the antimicrobial peptide LL-III: Effects on membrane perturbation, protease stability, and biological activity
Authors: Tortorella Attila , Leone Linda , Lombardi Angelina , Pizzo Elio , Bosso Andrea , Winter Roland , Petraccone Luigi , Vecchio Pompea Del , Oliva Rosario
Published: December 2022

The misuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may represent valuable alternative to antibiotics; nevertheless, the easy degradation due to environmental stress and proteolytic enzyme action, limits their use. So far, different strategies have been developed to overcome this drawback. Among them, glycosylation of AMPs represents a promising approach. In this work, we synthesized and characterized the N-glycosilated form of the antimicrobial peptide LL-III (g-LL-III). The N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) was covalently linked to the Asn residue and the interaction of g-LL-III with bacterial model membranes, together with its resistance to proteases, were investigated. Glycosylation did not affect the peptide mechanism of action and its biological activity against both bacteria and tumor cells. Interestingly, a higher resistance to the activity of proteolytic enzymes was achieved. The reported results pave the way for the successful application of AMPs in medicine and biotechnological fields.
Construction of a ring strongly coupled Lorenz-like oscillators: detection of weak pulse signal, synchronization mutation and circuit realization
Authors: Zhao Zhijie , Yang Ruyue , Wang Xiaodong
Published: December 2022

A ring strongly coupled Lorenz-like oscillators is constructed to identify the Gaussian pulse signals similar to the weak Coulter signals. The Coulter signals generated by particles whose sizes belong to [10μm, 60μm] are calculated through the Wheatstone bridge principle, and the Gaussian pulse signals are used to fit these signals. The dynamics of the oscillators are explored by using the nonlinear analysis method. The white Gaussian noise is used to fit the noise in the measurement and make it annihilate the Gaussian pulse signals. Then the test signals composed of these weak Gaussian pulse signals and white Gaussian noise are added to the oscillators, and continuous synchronization mutation phenomena are analyzed. After the amplification factor is introduced, the weak pulse signals can be detected by using the maximum values of these phenomena in the periodic or chaotic oscillators. The nonlinear circuit of the oscillators is made, and experiments on detection of Gaussian pulse signals annihilated in noise with different amplitudes and frequencies are carried out. The proposed method can effectively detect weak pulse signals, which has made a useful exploration for the detection of Coulter signals annihilated in noise.
A novel approach for detecting outliers by using Isolation Forest with reducing under fitting issue
Authors: Goad Prashant Maganlal , Deore Pramod J , Patil Vaishali Bhagwat
Published: December 2022

The effectiveness of machine learning for a particular activity depends on a variety of parameters. The incident database's description and validity come first and primary. Information retrieval even during training cycle is more challenging if there is a lot of repetitious, unimportant information or incomplete information available. It is well knowledge that running time for ML tasks is significantly impacted by conditions are as follows and sorting stages. To increase the accuracy of any model data cleansing is essential. Without sufficient data scrubbing, no predictive model accuracy can begin. EDA, or exploratory data analysis, is the name of this procedure. In this study, we discussed outlier’s identification, one of many EDA processes for complete perfect data. In this research, we attempted to use the isolation forest approach to calculate the outlier factor. Then a model known as an outlier finding model is created. The problem of outlier detection leads to a collection of connected supervised learning for binary classification. We carry out in-depth tests on various datasets and demonstrate that in our latest outlier finding technique compare with the old way. Our approach yields superior outcomes in terms of accuracy, precision, recall & F-1 score. Additionally, we successfully lowered the machine learning algorithms' under fitting issue.
Virtualized Intelligent Genetic Load Balancer for Federated Hybrid Cloud Environment using Deep Belief Network Classifier
Authors: sriniva rajkumar , katiravan jeevaa
Published: December 2022

Load balancing is major issue in federated cloud environment. Various services can be offered by different cloud service providers. As per current working environment cloud computing is used in major applications such as education, online shopping, multimedia services, etc. Dynamic load balancing is required to handle the resources. Federated cloud has various services offering system with computing resources, resource pooling, internet access services and storage. In this paper we propose Intelligent Genetic algorithm to provide efficient load balancing service in hybrid cloud environment. Enhanced Load Balancer is used to preserve the load and minimize the span time based on resource provisioning method. In this work we analyze automated virtual machine services by using runtime resource provision. In this case we measure the performance by calculating virtual machine placements, resource utilization and automated quality requirements. We used Deep belief network approach to measure the accuracy of Load balancers and test the cloud environment using TensorFlow. Our proposed system is achieving the accuracy of 95% based on overall capacity requirements. We compare our proposed system performance with existing simulations results.
Lung Inflammation in Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficient Individuals with Normal Lung Function
Authors: Kokturk Nurdan , Khodayari Nazli , Lascano Jorge , Riley E. Leonard , Brantly Mark L.
Published: December 2022

Background: Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficient (AATD) individuals are prone to develop early age of onset chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which is more severe than non-genetic COPD. In this study, we investigated the characteristics of lower respiratory tract inflammation in AATD individuals prior to the onset of clinically significant COPD.
Methods: Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed on 22 AATD individuals with normal lung function and 14 healthy individuals. Cell counts and concentrations of proteases, alpha-1-antitrypsin, proinflammatory cytokines, and leukotriene B4 were determined in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from AATD and healthy individuals. In order to determine the characteristics of airway inflammation in this cohort, we also analyzed immune cell components of the large airways from bronchial biopsies using immunohistochemistry in both study subjects. Finally, we made comparisons between airway inflammation and lung function rate of decline using four repeated lung function tests over one year in AATD individuals.
Results: AATD individuals with normal lung function had significantly higher neutrophil counts, levels of proteases, IL-8, IL-6, IL-1b, and leukotriene B4 in their epithelial lining fluid compared to control subjects. A positive correlation was noted between the levels of IL-8, neutrophils, and concentration of neutrophil elastase in epithelial lining fluid of AATD individuals. AATD individuals also showed a negative correlation of baseline FEV1 with neutrophil count, neutrophil elastase, and cytokine levels in epithelial lining fluid. In addition, we found that the airways of AATD individuals have increased lymphocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, and mast cells in epithelial lining fluid compared to control subjects.
Conclusion: Inflammation is present in the lower respiratory tract and airways of AATD individuals despite having normal lung function. A declining trend was also noticed in the lung function of AATD individuals which was correlated with inflammatory phenotype of their lower respiratory tract. This results provide new evidence for the presence of early inflammation in the lungs of AATD individuals. This suggests that early anti-inflammatory therapies may be a potential strategy to prevent progression of lung disease in individuals with AATD.
A Self-powered Aptasensor for Isocarbophos Determination Based on Nanozyme-catalytic Photoelectrochemical Fuel Cell
Authors: Zhou Chunhong , Wen Ruiting , Tian Jiuying , Lu Jusheng
Published: December 2022

In the present work, we developed a nanozyme-catalytic photoelectrochemical fuel cell (PNFC) to determine isocarbophos in food sample, in which ZIF-67 nanozyme exhibited an excellent glucose dehydrogenase-mimic performance and was assembled in-situ on g-C3N4 modified TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNA/g-C3N4) to form a TNA/g-C3N4/ZIF-67 photoanode, Fe-N-C nanozyme was used for catalytic oxygen reduction reaction and coated uniformly on indium tin oxide conductive glass (ITO) to form an ITO/Fe-N-C cathode. Under visible light irradiation, the as-constructed PNFC produced a high output response with a maximum output power of 0.376 mW·cm− 2 and an output voltage of 0.66 V. Due to the specific recognition of target isocarbophos by its aptamer and high output power of the PNFC, a PNFC-based self-powered aptasensor was constructed for determining isocarbophos based on the catalytic mercapto-inhibition effect and exonuclease I-assisted target recycling signal amplification, which had a quantitative range of 0.01–100 ng mL− 1, a low detection limit of 3.5 pg mL− 1 and good selectivity for isocarbophos determination, being applied for real food sample analysis with good precision of the relative standard deviation less than 5.4% and good accuracy of the recoveries from 96.2–108%.
Dehydration accelerates cytogenesis and cyst growth in Pkd1 −/− mice by regulating macrophage M2 polarization
Authors: Yang Yang , Song Minghui , Zhang Dongjuan , Wang Chao , Zhou Jie , Yi Lvjia , Chen Meihan , Mei Changlin
Published: December 2022

Adult autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) has been shown to be related as a “third hit” to the occurrence of acute or chronic kidney injury. Here, we examined whether dehydration, as a common kidney risk factor, could cause cystogenesis in chronic-onset Pkd1−/− mice by regulating macrophage activation. First, we confirmed that dehydration accelerated cytogenesis in Pkd1−/− mice and that macrophages infiltrated the kidney tissues even earlier than macroscopic cyst formation. Then, microarray analysis suggested that glycolysis pathway may be involved in macrophage activation in Pkd1−/− kidneys under conditions of dehydration. Further, we confirmed glycolysis pathway was activated and lactic acid (L-LA) was overproduced in the Pkd1−/− kidney under conditions of dehydration. We have already proved that L-LA strongly stimulated M2 macrophage polarization and overproduction of polyamine in macrophage in vitro; and in the present study, we further discovered that M2 polarization-induced polyamine production shortened the primary cilia length by disrupting the PC1/PC2 complex. Finally, the activation of L-LA—arginase 1—polyamine pathway contributed to cystogenesis and progressive cyst growth in Pkd1−/− mice recurrently exposed to dehydration.
Integrated gut metabolome and microbiome fingerprinting reveals that dysbiosis precedes allergic inflammation in IgE-mediated pediatric cow’s milk allergy
Authors: De Paepe Ellen , Plekhova Vera , Vangeenderhuysen Pablo , Baeck Nele , Bullens Dominique , Claeys Tania , De Graeve Marilyn , Kamoen Kristien , Notebaert Anneleen , de Wiele Tom Van , Broeck Wim Van Den , Vanlede Koen , Winckel Myriam Van , Vereecke Lars , Cox Eric , Vanhaecke Lynn
Published: December 2022

Understanding the underlying mechanisms behind IgE-mediated cow’s milk allergy (IgE-CMA) is imperative for the discovery of novel biomarkers and the design of innovative treatment and prevention strategies. Here, we report data on the gut microbiome, metabolome, and lipidome of 81 children affected by food allergies, including CMA and healthy controls. Moreover, we developed a mouse model that mimicked IgE CMA best, BALB/c mice sensitized with ß-lactoglobulin using cholera toxin. During sensitization, we observed multiple microbially derived metabolic alterations, most importantly bile acid and tryptophan metabolites, that preceded allergic inflammation, while this inflammation was reflected in a disturbed sphingomyelin and histamine metabolism. We endorsed the microbial origin of these metabolites by in vitro colonic digestions and confirmed the microbial dysbiosis in our patient cohort, which was accompanied by metabolic signatures of low-grade inflammation. Our results suggest that gut dysbiosis precedes allergic inflammation, opening new opportunities for future prevention and treatment strategies. Trial: NCT04249973.