bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal relationships of threatened cetaceans and anthropogenic threats in the lower Yangtze system
Authors: Mogensen Lisa M. W. , Mei Zhigang , Hao Yujiang , Hudson Michael A. , Wang Ding , Turvey Samuel T.
Published: November 2022

The impacts of fisheries interactions on cetaceans can be challenging to determine, often requiring multiple complementary investigative approaches. The Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis), one of the few Critically Endangered cetaceans, is endemic to the middle-lower Yangtze drainage, a system impacted by multiple anthropogenic pressures. Bycatch mortality is implicated in regional porpoise decline, but the significance and dynamics of porpoise interactions with fishing activities and other threats remain poorly understood. We conducted boat-based surveys to map seasonal distributions and spatial congruence of porpoises and two potential threats (fishing and sand-mining), and an interview survey of fishing communities to understand temporal patterns and drivers of regional fishing activity, across Poyang Lake and the adjoining Yangtze mainstem. Variation in harmful and non-harmful gear use (non-fixed nets versus static pots and traps) between these landscapes might be an important factor affecting local porpoise status. Within Poyang Lake, spatial correlations between porpoises and threats were relatively weak, seasonal porpoise and threat hotspots were located in different regions, and two protected areas had higher porpoise encounter rates and densities than some unprotected sections. However, porpoise hotspots were mostly in unprotected areas, threats were widely observed across reserves, and more fishing and sand-mining was seasonally observed within reserves than within unprotected areas. Compared to null distributions, porpoises were detected significantly closer to fishing activities in summer and further from sand-mining in winter, indicating possible spatial risks of gear entanglement and disturbance. Reported porpoise bycatch deaths are associated with fixed and non-fixed nets, hook-based gears, and electrofishing. Longitudinal patterns in reported gear use indicate that hook-based fishing has decreased substantially and is generally conducted by older fishers, and significantly fewer respondents now practice fishing as their sole source of income, but electrofishing has increased. This combined research approach indicates a continued potential risk to porpoises from changing fisheries interactions and other threats, highlighting the importance of fishing restrictions and appropriate support for fishing communities impacted by this legislation. A potential “win–win” for both biodiversity and local livelihoods could be achieved through wider use of static pots and traps, which are not associated with bycatch deaths.
Exploring the influence of takotsubo syndrome on oncologic patients’ mortality
Authors: Tini Giacomo , Arcari Luca , Sclafani Matteo , Spallarossa Paolo , Camastra Giovanni , Battistoni Allegra , Autore Camillo , Volpe Massimo , Musumeci Beatrice , Ameri Pietro , Cacciotti Luca
Published: November 2022

It has been reported that patients affected by takotsubo syndrome (TTS) with a concurrent diagnosis of cancer suffer from greater mortality as compared to their non-cancer counterpart. It remains unclear whether TTS worsens the prognosis of cancer patients as well. Aim of this study was to compare outcomes of cancer patients with and without TTS. We combined data from two independent cohorts: one consisted of a prospective multicentre TTS registry; the second cohort consisted of all oncologic patients from two Cardio-Oncology Outpatient Clinics, who did not have cardiovascular conditions at the time of the cardio-oncologic visit. From the TTS registry, we selected patients with cancer (cancer-TTS patients). Next, we matched these patients with those from the cardio-oncologic cohort (cancer non-TTS patients) in a 1:2 fashion by age, sex, and type and cancer staging. Study endpoint was all-cause mortality. Among 318 TTS patients, 42 (13%) had a concurrent diagnosis of cancer. Characteristics of cancer-TTS patients and of the 84 matched cancer non-TTS subjects were comparable with the exception of diabetes mellitus, which was more common in cancer non-TTS patients. All-cause mortality was similar between cancer-TTS and cancer non-TTS patients. At Cox regression analysis TTS was not associated with mortality (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.6–3.3, p = 0.43). Our findings show that even in the presence of acute heart failure due to TTS, the prognosis of oncologic patients is driven by the malignancy itself. Our results may prove useful for integrated management of cardio-oncologic patients.
Reversible hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in men with the fertile eunuch/Pasqualini syndrome: A single-center natural history study
Authors: Dwyer Andrew A. , Stamou Maria , McDonald Isabella R. , Anghel Ella , Cox Kimberly H. , Salnikov Kathryn B. , Plummer Lacey , Seminara Stephanie B. , Balasubramanian Ravikumar
Published: November 2022

Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is a heterogeneous genetic disorder characterized by disrupted puberty and infertility. In most cases, HH is abiding yet 10-15% undergo reversal. Men with HH and absent and partial puberty (i.e., testicular volume <4mL and >4mL respectively) have been well-studied, but the rare fertile eunuch (FE) variant remains poorly characterized. This natural history study of 240 men with HH delineates the clinical presentation, neuroendocrine profile, rate of reversal and genetics of the FE variant. We compared three HH groups: FE (n=38), absent puberty (n=139), and partial puberty (n=63). The FE group had no history of micropenis and 2/38 (5%) had cryptorchidism (p<0.0001 vs. other groups). The FE group exhibited higher rates of detectable gonadotropins, higher mean LH/FSH levels, and higher serum inhibin B levels (all p<0.0001). Neuroendocrine profiling showed pulsatile LH secretion in 30/38 (79%) of FE men (p<0.0001) and 16/36 (44%) FE men underwent spontaneous reversal of HH (p<0.001). The FE group was enriched for protein-truncating variants (PTVs) in GNRHR and FGFR1 and 4/30 (13%) exhibited oligogenic PTVs. Findings suggest men with the FE variant exhibit the mildest neuroendocrine defects of HH men and the FE sub-type represents the first identified phenotypic predictor for reversible HH.
Frequency regulation in adaptive virtual inertia and power reserve control with high PV penetration by probabilistic forecasting
Authors: Chang Jiaming , Du Yang , Chen Xiaoyang , Lim Enggee , Wen Huiqing , Li Xingshuo , Jiang Lin
Published: November 2022

The large-scale deployment of sustainable energy sources has become a mandatory goal to reduce pollution from electricity production. As photovoltaic (PV) plants replace conventional synchronous generators (SGs), their significant inherent rotational inertia characteristics are reduced. The high penetration of PV results in reduced system inertia, leading to system frequency instability. Virtual inertial control (VIC) technology has attracted increasing interest because of its ability to mimic inertia. Adoption of the energy storage system (ESS) is hindered by the high cost, although it can be used to provide virtual inertia. The determined forecast gives PVs the ability to reserve power before shading and compensate the power when a system power drop occurs, which can increase system inertia. Nevertheless, it has forecast errors and energy waste in a stable state. To improve the stability of the microgrid and improve the ESS efficiency, this study proposes an adaptive forecasting-based (AFB) VIC method using probabilistic forecasts. The adaptive power reserve and virtual inertia control are proposed to reduce energy waste and increase system inertia. The simulation results reveal that the proposed method has adaptive system inertia to reduce the reserved power, required ESS power capacity, and battery aging.
Assessing the impact path of air quality on enterprise R&D investment: Empirical evidence from dual perspectives of investor sentiment and government concern
Authors: Yang Jialiang , He Dan , Qureshi Naveed Akhtar
Published: November 2022

Based on the data of Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share listed companies from 2015 to 2019, this paper studies the influence of air quality on the R&D investment of listed companies from the perspectives of investor sentiment and government concern. It is found that, on the whole, air quality has a significant inhibitory effect on R&D investment. Air quality significantly promotes investor sentiment, which serves as a path to further restrain the R&D investment of listed companies. Air pollution is an effective concern for the government and serves as a veil between air quality and R&D investment. Furthermore, this paper analyzes the heterogeneity of enterprises from the aspects of regional technology complexity, property right nature, whether it is a polluting enterprise or not, and whether it is a key regulated enterprise or not, and comes to relevant conclusions. This paper expands the research on air quality and enterprise R&D investment decision-making, which helps to clarify and improve the transmission mechanism and implementation effect of environmental protection policies.
Mapping Agricultural Biodiversity: Legacy data and tensions between ways of seeing fields
Authors: Craft Taylor B. , Beaulieu Anne , Piersma Theunis , Howison Ruth A.
Published: November 2022

Mapping is a core approach used to investigate and display spatial dynamics of biological diversity and habitats. In the Netherlands, agricultural lands occupy nearly two-thirds of the land surface and provide the greatest potential for habitat restoration; particularly in grassland-based dairy production systems, which comprise the largest share of these agricultural lands. When a crop rotation is applied to a long-term grassland, the resulting disruption of ecological complexity requires years–if not decades–to restore, even after reconversion. The availability of high-quality land-use data for measuring the spatio-temporal distribution of grassland legacies is thus essential for monitoring the dynamics of biodiversity in production grasslands. In this study, we reflect on the Basic Crop Registration (BRP) of the Netherlands, an open spatial data infrastructure developed for parcel-level crop registration and examine how it shapes our spatio-temporal understanding of land use. The BRP serves as an administrative basis for numerous national and local-level regulatory and financial arrangements, mainly aimed at agricultural actors. In this study, we repurposed BRP data to introduce a new perspective on depicting the stability of grasslands in a high-intensity agricultural region. We used this data to map the frequency of grassland-to-cropland conversions using 17 years of longitudinal crop records in southwest Friesland, Netherlands. The legacy effects of grassland-to-cropland conversion were investigated in a field study, where significant differences were found between new and long-term grasslands in plant community composition, soil organic matter content, bulk density, soil penetration resistance, and pH. In our analysis of BRP data, we discovered a significant number of grasslands that were recently converted from cropland but that were recorded as long-term grasslands. This affected approximately 12% of the study area from 2005–2021, which prevents the accurate tracking of grassland stability over time. This misclassification also adds uncertainty to the temporal context of the decline in grassland-dependent species in the region. However, using a spatially-explicit mapping approach, these misclassifications can be corrected and help produce an effective measure of grassland stability with potential as an agroecosystem monitoring tool for researchers, land-use planners, and policymakers.
Nanoparticles targeting hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells: Multimodal carriers for the treatment of hematological diseases
Authors: Cruz Luis J. , Rezaei Somayeh , Grosveld Frank , Philipsen Sjaak , Eich Christina
Published: November 2022

Modern-day hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) therapies, such as gene therapy, modify autologous HSCs prior to re-infusion into myelo-conditioned patients and hold great promise for treatment of hematological disorders. While this approach has been successful in numerous clinical trials, it relies on transplantation of ex vivo modified patient HSCs, which presents several limitations. It is a costly and time-consuming procedure, which includes only few patients so far, and ex vivo culturing negatively impacts on the viability and stem cell-properties of HSCs. If viral vectors are used, this carries the additional risk of insertional mutagenesis. A therapy delivered to HSCs in vivo, with minimal disturbance of the HSC niche, could offer great opportunities for novel treatments that aim to reverse disease symptoms for hematopoietic disorders and could bring safe, effective and affordable genetic therapies to all parts of the world. However, substantial unmet needs exist with respect to the in vivo delivery of therapeutics to HSCs. In the last decade, in particular with the development of gene editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9, nanoparticles (NPs) have become an emerging platform to facilitate the manipulation of cells and organs. By employing surface modification strategies, different types of NPs can be designed to target specific tissues and cell types in vivo. HSCs are particularly difficult to target due to the lack of unique cell surface markers that can be utilized for cell-specific delivery of therapeutics, and their shielded localization in the bone marrow (BM). Recent advances in NP technology and genetic engineering have resulted in the development of advanced nanocarriers that can deliver therapeutics and imaging agents to hematopoietic stem- and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the BM niche. In this review we provide a comprehensive overview of NP-based approaches targeting HSPCs to control and monitor HSPC activity in vitro and in vivo, and we discuss the potential of NPs for the treatment of malignant and non-malignant hematological disorders, with a specific focus on the delivery of gene editing tools.
A panel of seven immune-related genes can serve as a good predictive biomarker for cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Dai Junshang , Pan Yuwen , Chen Yili , Yao Shuzhong
Published: November 2022

Objective: Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies. The interaction between tumor microenvironment and immune infiltration is closely related to the progression of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) and patients’ prognosis. Herein, a panel of immune-related genes was established for more accurate prognostic prediction.

Methods: The transcriptome information of tumor and normal samples were obtained from TCGA-CSCC and GTEx. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were defined from it. Immune-related genes (IRGs) were retrieved from the ImmPort database. After removing the transcriptome data which not mentioned in GSE44001, IR-DEGs were preliminarily identified. Then, TCGA-CSCC samples were divided into training and testing set (3:1) randomly. Univariate Cox analysis, LASSO regression analysis and multivariate Cox analysis were used in turn to construct the signature to predict the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). External validation was performed in GSE44001, and initial clinical validation was performed by qRT-PCR. Function enrichment analysis, immune infiltration analysis and establishment of nomogram were conducted as well.

Results: A prognostic prediction signature consisting of seven IR-DEGs was established. High expression of NRP1, IGF2R, SERPINA3, TNF and low expression of ICOS, DES, HCK suggested that CSCC patients had shorter OS (POS<0.001) and DFS (PDFS<0.001). AUC values of 1-, 3-, five- year OS were 0.800, 0.831 and 0.809. Analyses in other validation sets showed good consistency with the results in training set. The signature can serve as an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR = 1.166, p < 0.001). AUC values of 1-, 3-, five- year OS based on the nomogram were 0.769, 0.820 and 0.807. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that these IR-DEGs were associated with receptor interaction and immune cell activity. Immune infiltration analysis indicated that patients in high-risk group had lower immune infiltration, weaker immune function, and were more likely to benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Through qRT-PCR on clinical samples, expression of NRP1, IGF2R, SERPINA3 and TNF were significantly upregulated in tumor tissue, while ICOS and DES were significantly downregulated.

Conclusion: To conclude, the immune-related signature can provide strong support for exploration of immune infiltration, prediction of prognosis and response to immunotherapy through stratify CSCC patients into subgroups.
The barley DIR gene family: An expanded gene family that is involved in stress responses
Authors: Luo Ruihan , Pan Wenqiu , Liu Wenqiang , Tian Yuan , Zeng Yan , Li Yihan , Li Zhimin , Cui Licao
Published: November 2022

Gene family expansion plays a central role in adaptive divergence and, ultimately, speciation is influenced by phenotypic diversity in different environments. Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is the fourth most important cereal crop in the world and is used for brewing purposes, animal feed, and human food. Systematic characterization of expanded gene families is instrumental in the research of the evolutionary history of barley and understanding of the molecular function of their gene products. A total of 31,750 conserved orthologous groups (OGs) were identified using eight genomes/subgenomes, of which 1,113 and 6,739 were rapidly expanded and contracted OGs in barley, respectively. Five expanded OGs containing 20 barley dirigent genes (HvDIRs) were identified. HvDIRs from the same OG were phylogenetically clustered with similar gene structure and domain organization. In particular, 7 and 5 HvDIRs from OG0000960 and OG0001516, respectively, contributed greatly to the expansion of the DIR-c subfamily. Tandem duplication was the driving force for the expansion of the barley DIR gene family. Nucleotide diversity and haplotype network analysis revealed that the expanded HvDIRs experienced severe bottleneck events during barley domestication, and can thus be considered as potential domestication-related candidate genes. The expression profile and co-expression network analysis revealed the critical roles of the expanded HvDIRs in various biological processes, especially in stress responses. HvDIR18, HvDIR19, and HvDIR63 could serve as excellent candidates for further functional genomics studies to improve the production of barley products. Our study revealed that the HvDIR family was significantly expanded in barley and might be involved in different developmental processes and stress responses. Thus, besides providing a framework for future functional genomics and metabolomics studies, this study also identified HvDIRs as candidates for use in improving barley crop resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
HSP90AA1 interacts with CSFV NS5A protein and regulates CSFV replication via the JAK/STAT and NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Chenchen , Zhao Wei , Su Jia , Chen Xiaochun , Zhao Feifan , Fan Jindai , Li Xiaowen , Liu Xiaodi , Zou Linke , Zhang Mengru , Zhang Zilin , Zhang Liangliang , Fan Shuangqi , Li Yuwan , Zhao Mingqiu , Chen Jinding , Yi Lin
Published: November 2022

Classical swine fever (CSF), caused by the classical swine fever virus (CSFV), is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease, posing a significant threat to the swine industry. Heat shock protein 90 kDa alpha class A member 1 (HSP90AA1) is a very conservative chaperone protein that plays an important role in signal transduction and viral proliferation. However, the role of HSP90AA1 in CSFV infection is unknown. In this study, we found that expression of HSP90AA1 could be promoted in PK-15 and 3D4/2 cells infected by CSFV. Over-expression of HSP90AA1 could inhibit CSFV replication and functional silencing of HSP90AA1 gene promotes CSFV replication. Further exploration revealed that HSP90AA1 interacted with CSFV NS5A protein and reduced the protein levels of NS5A. Since NS5A has an important role in CSFV replication and is closely related to type I IFN and NF-κB response, we further analyzed whether HSP90AA1 affects CSFV replication by regulating type I IFN and NF-κB pathway responses. Our research found HSP90AA1 positively regulated type I IFN response by promoting STAT1 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation processes and promoted the nuclear translocation processes of p-P65. However, CSFV infection antagonizes the activation of HSP90AA1 on JAK/STAT and NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, our study found that HSP90AA1 overexpression significantly inhibited CSFV replication and may inhibit CSFV replication by interacting with NS5A and activating JAK/STAT and NF-κB signaling pathways. These results provide new insights into the mechanism of action of HSP90AA1 in CSFV infection, which abundant the candidate library of anti-CSFV.
Identification of diagnostic genes for both Alzheimer’s disease and Metabolic syndrome by the machine learning algorithm
Authors: Li Jinwei , Zhang Yang , Lu Tanli , Liang Rui , Wu Zhikang , Liu Meimei , Qin Linyao , Chen Hongmou , Yan Xianlei , Deng Shan , Zheng Jiemin , Liu Quan
Published: November 2022

Background

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. Metabolic syndrome is the most common metabolic and endocrine disease in the elderly. Some studies have suggested a possible association between MetS and AD, but few studied genes that have a co-diagnostic role in both diseases.

Methods

The microarray data of AD (GSE63060 and GSE63061 were merged after the batch effect was removed) and MetS (GSE98895) in the GEO database were downloaded. The WGCNA was used to identify the co-expression modules related to AD and MetS. RF and LASSO were used to identify the candidate genes. Machine learning XGBoost improves the diagnostic effect of hub gene in AD and MetS. The CIBERSORT algorithm was performed to assess immune cell infiltration MetS and AD samples and to investigate the relationship between biomarkers and infiltrating immune cells. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing data from patients with AD and normal individuals were visualized with the Seurat standard flow dimension reduction clustering the metabolic pathway activity changes each cell with ssGSEA.

Results

The brown module was identified as the significant module with AD and MetS. GO analysis of shared genes showed that intracellular transport and establishment of localization in cell and organelle organization were enriched in the pathophysiology of AD and MetS. By using RF and Lasso learning methods, we finally obtained eight diagnostic genes, namely ARHGAP4, SNRPG, UQCRB, PSMA3, DPM1, MED6, RPL36AL and RPS27A. Their AUC were all greater than 0.7. Higher immune cell infiltrations expressions were found in the two diseases and were positively linked to the characteristic genes. The scRNA-seq datasets finally obtained seven cell clusters. Seven major cell types including CD8 T cell, monocytes, T cells, NK cell, B cells, dendritic cells and macrophages were clustered according to immune cell markers. The ssGSEA revealed that immune-related gene (SNRPG) was significantly regulated in the glycolysis-metabolic pathway.

Conclusion

We identified genes with common diagnostic effects on both MetS and AD, and found genes involved in multiple metabolic pathways associated with various immune cells.
Anticardiolipin and/or anti-β2-glycoprotein-I antibodies are associated with adverse IVF outcomes
Authors: Wu Li , Fang Xuhui , Lu Fangting , Zhang Yu , Wang Yanshi , Kwak-Kim Joanne
Published: November 2022

Objective

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effects of anticardiolipin (aCL) and/or anti-β2-glycoprotein-I (aβ2GPI) antibodies, namely antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes.

Materials and methods

The study group comprised infertile women with aPL undergoing IVF-ET cycles. Controls were infertile women with tubal etiology without aPL. The impact of aPL on reproductive outcomes, such as oocyte quality, embryo quality, and implantation capacity, was compared between the study group and controls. Additionally, peripheral blood T cell subsets, such as T helper (Th)1, Th2, Th17, and T regulatory (Treg) cells and cytokines, were analyzed by the flow cytometry. Differences between the study group and controls were analyzed.

Results

A total of 132 infertile women, including 44 women with aPL, and 88 controls were sequentially recruited for this study. Women with aPL had lower numbers of total and perfect/available embryos and lower rates of MII oocytes, blastocyst formation, perfect and available embryos, implantation, clinical pregnancy, and take-home baby. Additionally, imbalanced Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg ratios, significantly higher levels of serum IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17A, and a significantly lower serum IL-4 were noticed in women with aPL compared to controls.

Conclusion

Women with aPL such as aCL and/or aβ2GPI antibodies were associated with adverse IVF outcomes. Early screening for aPL and appropriate consultation for couples undergoing IVF should be considered. In addition, underlying immunopathology and inflammatory immune mechanisms associated with aPL should be further explored.
Leverage biomaterials to modulate immunity for type 1 diabetes
Authors: Jing Zhangyan , Li Yuan , Ma Yumeng , Zhang Xiaozhou , Liang Xin , Zhang Xudong
Published: November 2022

The pathogeny of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is mainly provoked by the β-cell loss due to the autoimmune attack. Critically, autoreactive T cells firsthand attack β-cell in islet, that results in the deficiency of insulin in bloodstream and ultimately leads to hyperglycemia. Hence, modulating immunity to conserve residual β-cell is a desirable way to treat new-onset T1D. However, systemic immunosuppression makes patients at risk of organ damage, infection, even cancers. Biomaterials can be leveraged to achieve targeted immunomodulation, which can reduce the toxic side effects of immunosuppressants. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in harness of biomaterials to immunomodulate immunity for T1D. We investigate nanotechnology in targeting delivery of immunosuppressant, biological macromolecule for β-cell specific autoreactive T cell regulation. We also explore the biomaterials for developing vaccines and facilitate immunosuppressive cells to restore immune tolerance in pancreas.
Effect of estuarine dam location and discharge interval on estuarine hydrodynamics, sediment dynamics, and morphodynamics
Authors: Figueroa Steven M. , Son Minwoo , Lee Guan-hong
Published: November 2022

The effect of an estuarine dam located near the mouth for a range of estuarine types (strongly stratified, partially mixed, periodically stratified, and well-mixed) has been studied using a numerical model of an idealized estuary. However, the effect of different dam locations and freshwater discharge intervals has not yet been studied. Here, models were run for each estuary type with dam locations specified at x = 20, 55, and 90 km upstream from the mouth, and discharge intervals specified as once every Δt = 0.5, 3, and 7 days. The hydrodynamic, sediment dynamic, and morphodynamic results for the pre- and post-dam estuaries were analyzed to understand changes in estuarine processes. It was found that the estuarine dam altered the tide and river forcing in turn altering the stratification, circulation, sediment fluxes, and depths. The estuarine dam location primarily affected the tide-dominated estuaries, and the resonance length was an important length scale affecting the tidal currents and Stokes return flow. When the location was less than the resonance length, the tidal currents and Stokes return flow were most reduced due to the loss of tidal prism, the dead-end channel, and the shift from mixed to standing tides. The discharge interval primarily affected the river-dominated estuaries, and the tidal cycle period was an important time scale. When the interval was greater than the tidal cycle period, notable seaward discharge pulses and freshwater fronts occurred. Dams located near the mouth with large discharge interval differed the most from their pre-dam condition based on the estuarine parameter space. Greater discharge intervals, associated with large discharge magnitudes, resulted in scour and seaward sediment flux in the river-dominated estuaries, and the dam located near the resonance length resulted in the greatest landward tidal pumping sediment flux and deposition in the tide-dominated estuaries.
Extension of the shelf-life of fresh pasta using modified atmosphere packaging and bioprotective cultures
Authors: Marzano Marinella , Calasso Maria , Caponio Giusy Rita , Celano Giuseppe , Fosso Bruno , De Palma Domenico , Vacca Mirco , Notario Elisabetta , Pesole Graziano , De Leo Francesca , De Angelis Maria
Published: November 2022

Microbial stability of fresh pasta depends on heat treatment, storage temperature, proper preservatives, and atmosphere packaging. This study aimed at improving the microbial quality, safety, and shelf life of fresh pasta using modified atmosphere composition and packaging with or without the addition of bioprotective cultures (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium spp., and Bacillus coagulans) into semolina. Three fresh pasta variants were made using (i) the traditional protocol (control), MAP (20:80 CO2:N2), and barrier packaging, (ii) the experimental MAP (40:60 CO2:N2) and barrier packaging, and (iii) the experimental MAP, barrier packaging, and bioprotective cultures. Their effects on physicochemical properties (i.e., content on macro elements, water activity, headspace O2, CO2 concentrations, and mycotoxins), microbiological patterns, protein, and volatile organic compounds (VOC) were investigated at the beginning and the end of the actual or extended shelf-life through traditional and multi-omics approaches. We showed that the gas composition and properties of the packaging material tested in the experimental MAP system, with or without bioprotective cultures, positively affect features of fresh pasta avoiding changes in their main chemical properties, allowing for a storage longer than 120 days under refrigerated conditions. These results support that, although bioprotective cultures were not all able to grow in tested conditions, they can control the spoilage and the associated food-borne microbiota in fresh pasta during storage by their antimicrobials and/or fermentation products synergically. The VOC profiling, based on gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS), highlighted significant differences affected by the different manufacturing and packaging of samples. Therefore, the use of the proposed MAP system and the addition of bioprotective cultures can be considered an industrial helpful strategy to reduce the quality loss during refrigerated storage and to increase the shelf life of fresh pasta for additional 30 days by allowing the economic and environmental benefits spurring innovation in existing production models.
Stent-alone treatment of unruptured vertebral artery fusiform aneurysms: A comparison of flow diverter and conventional stents
Authors: Li Wenqiang , Zhu Wei , Wang Yanmin , Zhao Yapeng , Wang Yang , Liu Xianzhi , Zhang Yisen
Published: November 2022

Background

Treatment of vertebral artery fusiform aneurysms (VAFAs) is complex and controversial. This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy between flow diverter and conventional stents in patients with VAFAs undergoing endovascular stent-alone treatment (SAT).

Methods

Thirty-six patients with 36 VAFAs who underwent SAT between January 2014 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient and aneurysm characteristics, procedural details, complications, and angiographic and clinical outcomes were compared between flow diverter stent patients (n = 22) and conventional stent patients (n = 14).

Results

More branches covered with stent were found in the conventional stent group (88.9 vs. 33.3%; p = 0.008). The number of stents placed was significantly higher in the conventional stent group (1.57 ± 0.76 vs. 1.09 ± 0.29; p = 0.016). The proportion of patients with significant or moderate stasis within the aneurysm immediately after stent placement was higher in the flow diverter stent group (95.5 vs. 57.1%; p = 0.004). The proportion of patients with complete obliteration or only a residual neck on follow-up angiography was significantly higher in the flow diverter stent group (86.3 vs 50.0%; p = 0.047). However, the incidence of parent artery stenosis or occlusion was also higher in the flow diverter stent group (27.3% vs. zero; p = 0.032). The rate of complications did not significantly differ between the groups.

Conclusions

SAT was safe and effective in patients with VAFAs. Flow diverter stents are associated with a significantly better complete occlusion rate than conventional stents; however, they are also associated with an increased risk of parent artery stenosis.
Vestibular evoked myogenic potential may predict the hearing recovery in patients with unilateral idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Liang Min , Wu Hui , Chen Jianyong , Zhang Qin , Li Shuna , Zheng Guiliang , He Jingchun , Chen Xiangping , Duan Maoli , Yang Jun , Jin Yulian
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study investigates the association between vestibular function and prognosis in patients with unilateral idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (UISSNHL).

Design

A retrospective analysis of 64 patients with UISSNHL was performed. Pure tone audiometry and vestibular function tests for otoliths and semicircular canals were performed to assess the influence of vestibular functional status on the outcome of patients with UISSNHL.

Results

Patients with abnormal cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) or ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) responded less favorably to treatment. In the ineffective group, cVEMP was normal in four patients (6.3%) and oVEMPs in three (4.7%). Meanwhile, cVEMP was abnormal in 32 patients (50.0%) and oVEMP in 33 (51.6%). Better hearing recovery occurred in those with normal cVEMP (33.76 ± 15.07 dB HL improvement) or oVEMP (32.55 ± 19.56 dB HL improvement), but this was not the case in those with normal caloric tests. Patients with abnormalities in both cVEMP and oVEMP were less responsive to treatment and had worse hearing recovery than those with normal results in only one of the two tests.

Conclusion

Abnormal oVEMP and/or cVEMP results indicate poor auditory outcomes in patients with UISSNHL. Patients with impaired otolith organ function are likely to have a larger and more severe pathological change in their inner ear.
Impact of time between thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy on outcomes in patients with acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Wagner Lora , Mohrbach Desiree , Ebinger Martin , Endres Matthias , Nolte Christian H. , Harmel Peter , Audebert Heinrich J. , Rohmann Jessica L. , Siegerink Bob
Published: November 2022

Background

Benefits of endovascular thrombectomy (ET) after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) have been demonstrated, but analyses of the relationship between IVT-ET time delay and functional outcomes among patients receiving both treatments are lacking.

Methods

We used data from the “Berlin—Specific Acute Treatment in Ischaemic and haemorrhAgic stroke with Long-term outcome” (B–SPATIAL) registry. Between January 1st, 2016 and December 31st, 2019, we included patients who received both IVT and ET. The primary outcome was the 3-month ordinal modified Rankin scale (mRS) score. The IVT-ET time delay was analyzed in categories and continuously. We used adjusted ordinal logistic regression to estimate common odds ratios (cOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Secondary analyses involved flexible modeling of IVT-ET delay and dichotomous outcomes.

Results

Of 11,049 patients, 714 who received IVT followed by ET were included. Compared with having an IVT-ET window >120 min (reference), for an IVT-ET window < 30 min, we obtained adjusted cORs for mRS of 0.41 (95% CI: 0.22 to 0.78); and 0.52 (95% CI: 0.33 to 0.82) for 30 to 120 min. Secondary analyses also found protective effects of shorter time delays against “poor” functional outcomes at 3 months.

Conclusions

In patients with AIS, shorter IVT-ET intervals were associated with better 3-month functional outcomes. While the time-to-IVT and time-to-ET include the time until medical attention is received, the IVT-ET time delays fall entirely within the domain of medical management and thus might be easier to optimize.
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy: Using diffusion tensor imaging to evaluate visual pathway microstructural changes
Authors: Li Rui , Li Jing , Wang Zhenchang
Published: November 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether the visual pathway is affected by thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) before the development of dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Materials and methods

Fifty-seven TAO patients (22 mild, 35 moderate-severe TAO) and 30 healthy controls (HCs) were included. The DTI parameters of the lateral geniculate (LG) and optic radiation (OR) were measured. A full ophthalmic examination such as intraocular pressure, exophthalmos, and visual acuity was performed. Clinical activity scores (CAS) were also calculated. One-way ANOVA and Pearson's correlation were carried out. A binary logistic regression was used to identify variables that can diagnose TAO.

Results

Moderate-severe TAO patients showed significantly lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and higher mean diffusivity (MD) than HCs for both LG and OR (p < 0.05). FA of OR was negatively correlated with CAS and intraocular pressure (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that FA of LG and FA of OR were a significant predictor for the diagnosis TAO.

Conclusion

Diffusion tensor imaging parameters of the visual pathway were significantly altered in moderate-severe TAO patients. The FA of LG, in particular, can be used as a sensitive imaging biomarker for assessing subclinical visual pathway damage in TAO.
Evaluation of pre-workout and recovery formulations on body composition and performance after a 6-week high-intensity training program
Authors: Cabre Hannah E. , Gordon Amanda N. , Patterson Noah D. , Smith-Ryan Abbie E.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Activities such as high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may be more time-efficient modes to stimulate rapid changes in performance and body composition. There is little research evaluating the combined effects of HIRT and HIIT on body composition and strength, particularly when paired with nutritional supplementation.

Purpose

To evaluate the chronic effects of pre- and post-workout supplementation on body composition and strength, and to understand sex-specific responses.

Materials and methods

64 untrained males (n= 23) and females (n= 41) (mean ± standard deviation; age: 33.2 ± 10.0 years; %fat: 31.6 ± 7.4%) were randomized to either (1) pre-post supplementation [SUP (n= 25); pre = multi-ingredient caffeine/HMB/vit D; post = whey protein/carbohydrates/glucosamine/vitamins], (2) placebo [PL (n= 24); non-caloric], or (3) control [CON (n= 15)]. All participants completed one repetition max (1RM) strength testing for leg press and bench press at baseline and week 6. Estimates of fat mass (FM) and lean mass (LM) were measuredviadual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Participants in the SUP or PL group completed a 6-week supervised exercise intervention consisting of a full-body HIRT workout (3 × 6–8 reps) followed by a HIIT treadmill run (6 × 1 min run: 1 min rest) twice per week. Outcomes were evaluated by separate repeated measure ANOVAs (2 × 3).

Results

There were no differences in FM between groups or sex (p= 0.133–0.851). LM increased from baseline to post-testing for all groups [Mean difference [MD(Post-Pre) ± Standard Error (SE) = 0.78 ± 0.12 kg;p< 0.001]. While not significant (p= 0.081), SUP gained more LM compared to PL [MD(SUP-PL) ± SE = 3.5 ± 3.3 kg] and CON [MD(SUP-CON) ± SE = 5.2 ± 3.8 kg]. LM increased over time for both males (0.84 ± 0.24 kg;p= 0.003) and females (0.73 ± 0.14 kg;p< 0.001). The SUP group resulted in a significant increase in 1RM leg press compared to the CON group (89.9 ± 30.8 kg;p= 0.015), with no significant differences compared to PL (p= 0.409). The SUP group had greater increases in 1RM bench press compared to the CON group (9.8 ± 1.8 kg;p< 0.001), with no significant differences compared to PL (p= 0.99). Both sexes increased upper- (5.5 ± 0.7 kg;p< 0.001) and lower-body strength (69.8 ± 4.5 kgp< 0.001) with training.

Conclusion

Nutrient supplementation timing appears to augment body composition changes and strength compared to control. Pre-/post-nutrient timing may support greater increases in LM and lower- and upper-body strength in both men and women.

Clinical trial registration

[https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04230824?cond=NCT04230824&draw=2&rank=1], identifier [NCT04230824].
Multiparametric MRI enables for differentiation of different degrees of malignancy in two murine models of breast cancer
Authors: Gerwing Mirjam , Hoffmann Emily , Kronenberg Katharina , Hansen Uwe , Masthoff Max , Helfen Anne , Geyer Christiane , Wachsmuth Lydia , Höltke Carsten , Maus Bastian , Hoerr Verena , Krähling Tobias , Hiddeßen Lena , Heindel Walter , Karst Uwe , Kimm Melanie A. , Schinner Regina , Eisenblätter Michel , Faber Cornelius , Wildgruber Moritz
Published: November 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was to non-invasively differentiate the degree of malignancy in two murine breast cancer models based on identification of distinct tissue characteristics in a metastatic and non-metastatic tumor model using a multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) approach.

Methods

The highly metastatic 4T1 breast cancer model was compared to the non-metastatic 67NR model. Imaging was conducted on a 9.4 T small animal MRI. The protocol was used to characterize tumors regarding their structural composition, including heterogeneity, intratumoral edema and hemorrhage, as well as endothelial permeability using apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), T1/T2 mapping and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) imaging. Mice were assessed on either day three, six or nine, with an i.v. injection of the albumin-binding contrast agent gadofosveset. Ex vivo validation of the results was performed with laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), histology, immunhistochemistry and electron microscopy.

Results

Significant differences in tumor composition were observed over time and between 4T1 and 67NR tumors. 4T1 tumors showed distorted blood vessels with a thin endothelial layer, resulting in a slower increase in signal intensity after injection of the contrast agent. Higher permeability was further reflected in higher Ktrans values, with consecutive retention of gadolinium in the tumor interstitium visible in MRI. 67NR tumors exhibited blood vessels with a thicker and more intact endothelial layer, resulting in higher peak enhancement, as well as higher maximum slope and area under the curve, but also a visible wash-out of the contrast agent and thus lower Ktrans values. A decreasing accumulation of gadolinium during tumor progression was also visible in both models in LA-ICP-MS. Tissue composition of 4T1 tumors was more heterogeneous, with intratumoral hemorrhage and necrosis and corresponding higher T1 and T2 relaxation times, while 67NR tumors mainly consisted of densely packed tumor cells. Histogram analysis of ADC showed higher values of mean ADC, histogram kurtosis, range and the 90th percentile (p90), as markers for the heterogenous structural composition of 4T1 tumors. Principal component analysis (PCA) discriminated well between the two tumor models.

Conclusions

Multiparametric MRI as presented in this study enables for the estimation of malignant potential in the two studied tumor models via the assessment of certain tumor features over time.
Development and validation of a prognostic model to predict the prognosis of patients with colorectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor: A large international population-based cohort study
Authors: Li Yiding , Zhang Yujie , Fu Yang , Yang Wanli , Wang Xiaoqian , Duan Lili , Niu Liaoran , Chen Junfeng , Zhou Wei , Liu Jinqiang , Wang Jing , Fan Daiming , Hong Liu
Published: November 2022

Background

Colorectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), mesenchymal malignancy, only accounts for about 6% of GISTs, but prognosis is generally poor. Given the rarity of colorectal GISTs, the prognostic values of clinicopathological features in the patients remain unclear. Nomograms can provide a visual interface to help calculate the predicted probability of a patient meeting a specific clinical endpoint and communicate it to the patient.

Methods

We included a total of 448 patients with colorectal GISTs diagnosed between 2000 and 2019 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. For nomogram construction and validation, patients in the SEER database were divided randomly into the training cohort and internal validation cohort at a ratio of 7:3, while 44 patients with colorectal GISTs from our hospital patient data set between 2010 to 2016 served as the external validation cohort. The OS curves were drawn using the Kaplan–Meier method and assessed using the log-rank test. And, Fine and Gray’s competing-risks regression models were conducted to assess CSS. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to select prognostic factors for survival time and constructed a predictive nomogram based on the results of the multivariate analysis.

Results

Through univariate and multivariate analyses, it is found that age, primary site, SEER stage, surgery, and tumor size constitute significant risk factors for OS, and age, primary site, histological grade, SEER stage, American Joint Committee for Cancer (AJCC) stage, surgery, and tumor size constitute risk factors for CSS. We found that the nomogram provided a good assessment of OS and CSS at 1-, 3- and 5- year in patients with colorectal GISTs. The calibration plots for the training, internal validation and external validation cohorts at 1-, 3- and 5- year OS and CSS indicated that the predicted survival rates closely correspond to the actual survival rates.

Conclusion

We constructed and validated an unprecedented nomogram to predict OS and CSS in patients with colorectal GISTs. The nomogram had the potential as a clinically predictive tool for colorectal GISTs prognosis, and can be used as a potential, objective and additional tool for clinicians in predicting the prognosis of colorectal GISTs patients worldwide. Clinicians could wield the nomogram to accurately evaluate patients’ OS and CSS, identify high-risk patients, and provide a baseline to optimize treatment plans.