bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma CXCL14 as a Candidate Biomarker for the Diagnosis of Lung Cancer
Authors: Tian Peng-Fei , Ma Yu-Chen , Yue Dong-Sheng , Liang Fan , Li Chen-Guang , Chen Chen , Zhang Hua , Sun Xiao-Yan , Huang Wu-Hao , Zhang Zhen-Fa , Zhou Guang-Biao , Wang Gui-Zhen , Zhang Bin , Wang Chang-Li
Published: June 2022

Background

Effective biomarkers for early diagnosis of lung cancer are needed. Previous studies have indicated positive associations between abnormal circulating cytokines and the etiology of lung cancer.

Methods

Blood samples were obtained from 286 patients with pretreatment lung cancer and 80 healthy volunteers. Circulating cytokine levels were detected with a Luminex assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Urine samples were obtained from 284 patients and 122 healthy volunteers. CXC chemokine ligand 14 (CXCL14) expression in tumors and nontumor regions of lung tissues from 133 lung cancer cases was detected by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and immunofluorescence (IF) staining of formalin fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues.

Results

Compared with healthy volunteers, a 65.7-fold increase was observed in the level of CXCL14 in the plasma of lung cancer patients, and a 1.7-fold increase was observed in the level of CXCL14 in the urine of lung cancer patients, achieving a 0.9464 AUC (area under the curve) value and a 0.6476 AUC value for differentiating between lung cancer patients and healthy volunteers, respectively. Stromal CXCL14 expression was significantly associated with advanced pathologic stage (P<0.001), pathologic N stage (P<0.001), and recurrence and metastasis (P=0.014). Moreover, multivariate analysis suggested stromal CXCL14 expression as an independent predictor of DFS and OS.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that CXCL14 might serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in patients with lung cancer.

Impact

CXCL14 might serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in patients with lung cancer.
Eosinophils Decrease Pulmonary Metastatic Mammary Tumor Growth
Authors: Cederberg Rachel A. , Franks Sarah Elizabeth , Wadsworth Brennan J. , So Alvina , Decotret Lisa R. , Hall Michael G. , Shi Rocky , Hughes Michael R. , McNagny Kelly M. , Bennewith Kevin L.
Published: June 2022

Metastatic breast cancer is challenging to effectively treat, highlighting the need for an improved understanding of host factors that influence metastatic tumor cell colonization and growth in distant tissues. The lungs are a common site of breast cancer metastasis and are host to a population of tissue-resident eosinophils. Eosinophils are granulocytic innate immune cells known for their prominent roles in allergy and Th2 immunity. Though their presence in solid tumors and metastases have been reported for decades, the influence of eosinophils on metastatic tumor growth in the lungs is unclear. We used transgenic mouse models characterized by elevated pulmonary eosinophils (IL5Tg mice) and eosinophil-deficiency (ΔdblGATA mice), as well as antibody-mediated depletion of eosinophils, to study the role of eosinophils in EO771 mammary tumor growth in the lungs. We found that IL5Tg mice exhibit reduced pulmonary metastatic colonization and decreased metastatic tumor burden compared to wild-type (WT) mice or eosinophil-deficient mice. Eosinophils co-cultured with tumor cellsex vivoproduced peroxidase activity and induced tumor cell death, indicating that eosinophils are capable of releasing eosinophil peroxidase (EPX) and killing EO771 tumor cells. We found that lung eosinophils expressed phenotypic markers of activation during EO771 tumor growth in the lungs, and that metastatic growth was accelerated in eosinophil-deficient mice and in WT mice after immunological depletion of eosinophils. Our results highlight an important role for eosinophils in restricting mammary tumor cell growth in the lungs and support further work to determine whether strategies to trigger local eosinophil degranulation may decrease pulmonary metastatic growth.
Deciphering Metabolic Adaptability of Leukemic Stem Cells
Authors: Patel Sweta B. , Nemkov Travis , D’Alessandro Angelo , Welner Robert S.
Published: June 2022

Therapeutic targeting of leukemic stem cells is widely studied to control leukemia. An emerging approach gaining popularity is altering metabolism as a potential therapeutic opportunity. Studies have been carried out on hematopoietic and leukemic stem cells to identify vulnerable pathways without impacting the non-transformed, healthy counterparts. While many metabolic studies have been conducted using stem cells, most have been carried out in vitro or on a larger population of progenitor cells due to challenges imposed by the low frequency of stem cells found in vivo. This creates artifacts in the studies carried out, making it difficult to interpret and correlate the findings to stem cells directly. This review discusses the metabolic difference seen between hematopoietic stem cells and leukemic stem cells across different leukemic models. Moreover, we also shed light on the advancements of metabolic techniques and current limitations and areas for additional research of the field to study stem cell metabolism.
Extracellular Volume Fraction Derived From Dual-Layer Spectral Detector Computed Tomography for Diagnosing Cervical Lymph Nodes Metastasis in Patients With Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Zhou Yan , Geng Di , Su Guo-Yi , Chen Xing-Biao , Si Yan , Shen Mei-Ping , Xu Xiao-Quan , Wu Fei-Yun
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The current study evaluates the performance of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) derived extracellular volume (ECV) fraction based on dual-layer spectral detector CT for diagnosing cervical lymph nodes (LNs) metastasis from papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and compares it with the value of ECV derived from conventional single-energy CT (SECT).

Methods

One hundred and fifty-seven cervical LNs (81 non-metastatic and 76 metastatic) were recruited. Among them, 59 cervical LNs (27 non-metastatic and 32 metastatic) were affected by cervical root artifact on the contrast-enhanced CT images in the arterial phase. Both the SECT-derived ECV fraction (ECVS) and the DECT-derived ECV fraction (ECVD) were calculated. A Pearson correlation coefficient and a Bland–Altman analysis were performed to evaluate the correlations between ECVD and ECVS. Receiver operator characteristic curves analysis and the Delong method were performed to assess and compare the diagnostic performance.

Results

ECVD correlated significantly with ECVS (r = 0.925; p <0.001) with a small bias (−0.6). Metastatic LNs showed significantly higher ECVD (42.41% vs 22.53%, p <0.001) and ECVS (39.18% vs 25.45%, p <0.001) than non-metastatic LNs. By setting an ECVD of 36.45% as the cut-off value, optimal diagnostic performance could be achieved (AUC = 0.813), which was comparable with that of ECVS (cut-off value = 34.99%; AUC = 0.793) (p = 0.265). For LNs affected by cervical root artifact, ECVD also showed favorable efficiency (AUC = 0.756), which was also comparable with that of ECVS (AUC = 0.716) (p = 0.244).

Conclusions

ECVD showed a significant correlation with ECVS. Compared with ECVS, ECVD showed comparable performance in diagnosing metastatic cervical LNs in PTC patients, even though the LNs were affected by cervical root artifacts on arterial phase CT.
18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography of Head and Neck Cancer: Location and HPV Specific Parameters for Potential Treatment Individualization
Authors: Zschaeck Sebastian , Weingärtner Julian , Lombardo Elia , Marschner Sebastian , Hajiyianni Marina , Beck Marcus , Zips Daniel , Li Yimin , Lin Qin , Amthauer Holger , Troost Esther G. C. , van den Hoff Jörg , Budach Volker , Kotzerke Jörg , Ferentinos Konstantinos , Karagiannis Efstratios , Kaul David , Gregoire Vincent , Holzgreve Adrien , Albert Nathalie L. , Nikulin Pavel , Bachmann Michael , Kopka Klaus , Krause Mechthild , Baumann Michael , Kazmierska Joanna , Cegla Paulina , Cholewinski Witold , Strouthos Iosif , Zöphel Klaus , Majchrzak Ewa , Landry Guillaume , Belka Claus , Stromberger Carmen , Hofheinz Frank
Published: June 2022

Purpose

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is utilized for staging and treatment planning of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Some older publications on the prognostic relevance showed inconclusive results, most probably due to small study sizes. This study evaluates the prognostic and potentially predictive value of FDG-PET in a large multi-center analysis.

Methods

Original analysis of individual FDG-PET and patient data from 16 international centers (8 institutional datasets, 8 public repositories) with 1104 patients. All patients received curative intent radiotherapy/chemoradiation (CRT) and pre-treatment FDG-PET imaging. Primary tumors were semi-automatically delineated for calculation of SUVmax, SUVmean, metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). Cox regression analyses were performed for event-free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS), loco-regional control (LRC) and freedom from distant metastases (FFDM).

Results

FDG-PET parameters were associated with patient outcome in the whole cohort regarding clinical endpoints (EFS, OS, LRC, FFDM), in uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Several previously published cut-off values were successfully validated. Subgroup analyses identified tumor- and human papillomavirus (HPV) specific parameters. In HPV positive oropharynx cancer (OPC) SUVmax was well suited to identify patients with excellent LRC for organ preservation. Patients with SUVmax of 14 or less were unlikely to develop loco-regional recurrence after definitive CRT. In contrast FDG PET parameters deliver only limited prognostic information in laryngeal cancer.

Conclusion

FDG-PET parameters bear considerable prognostic value in HNSCC and potential predictive value in subgroups of patients, especially regarding treatment de-intensification and organ-preservation. The potential predictive value needs further validation in appropriate control groups. Further research on advanced imaging approaches including radiomics or artificial intelligence methods should implement the identified cut-off values as benchmark routine imaging parameters.
Role of β3-Adrenergic Receptor in Bone Marrow Transplant as Therapeutical Support in Cancer
Authors: Nastasi Nicoletta , Bruno Gennaro , Favre Claudio , Calvani Maura
Published: June 2022

β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) is the last β-adrenoceptor subtype identified. β3-AR is widely expressed and regulates numerous physiological processes, and it is also a potential target for the treatment of many diseases, including cancers. For some types of cancers, bone marrow transplant (BMT) represents a valid therapeutic support, especially in the case of the necessity of high-dose chemotherapy and radiotherapy. For a successful BMT, it is necessary that a donor’s hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) correctly reach the staminal niche in the recipient’s bone marrow (BM) and contribute to restore normal hematopoiesis in order to rapidly repopulate BM and provide all the healthy blood cells of which the patient needs. Generally, it takes a long time. Control and accelerate homing and engraftment of HSCs could represent a helpful approach to avoid the complications and undesirable effects of BMT. The evidence that the β-adrenergic system has a role in the BM can be found in different studies, and this leads us to hypothesize that studying this field could be interesting to meliorate the most critical aspects of a BMT. Here, we collected the data present in literature about the role of β3-AR in the BM with the purpose of discovering a possible utility of β3-AR modulation in regulating HSC trafficking and hematopoiesis.
Successful Preservation of Native BCR::ABL1 in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Primary Leukocytes Reveals a Reduced Kinase Activity
Authors: Boni Christian , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Vezzalini Marzia , Scaffidi Luigi , Tomasello Luisa , Parker Laurie L. , Boscarino Diego , Paladin Dino , Krampera Mauro , Sorio Claudio
Published: June 2022

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease caused by the acquisition of t(9;22) generating the fusion tyrosine kinase BCR::ABL1. However, despite the crucial role of this protein in the dysregulation of numerous signal transduction pathways, a direct measure of BCR::ABL1 kinase activity in chronic phase (CP) CML was never accomplished due to intense degradative activity present in mature leukocytes. Therefore, we developed a procedure suitable to preserve BCR::ABL1 protein under non-denaturing, neutral pH conditions in primary, chronic phase (CP)-CML samples. As a result, specific kinase activity was detected utilizing a biotinylated peptide substrate highly selective for c-ABL1. Furthermore, through this approach, BCR::ABL1 kinase activity was barely detectable in CP-CML compared to Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia primary samples, where kinase activity is comparable to those measured in Ph+ cell lines. These in vitro findings provide the first direct measure of BCR::ABL1 kinase activity in primary CP-CML and reveal the presence of a still uncharacterized inhibitory mechanism that maintains BCR::ABL1 in a low activity state in CP-CML despite its overexpression.
Delayed Diagnosis and Multi-TKI Intolerance: A Case Report of CML Concurrent With COVID-19
Authors: Luan Chengxin , Wang Haixia , Zhou Junjie , Ma Xiaoyu , Long Zhangbiao , Cheng Xin , Chen Xiaowen , Xia Ruixiang , Ge Jian
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The hematological manifestations of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can confound the diagnosis and therapy of other diseases. In this paper, we firstly reported a case of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) of delayed diagnosis and intolerance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) concurrent with COVID-19.

Case Presentation

A 56-year-old female was diagnosed as COVID-19 with no obvious leukocytosis [white blood cell (WBC), ≤17 × 109/L] or splenomegaly until ablation of the virus. Bone marrow aspiration was conducted to establish the diagnosis of CML. She accepted an adjusted dosage of imatinib initially and had to suspend it after myelosuppression (day 41). After hematopoietic therapy, imatinib was given again (day 62), but she was still non-tolerant, and nilotinib at 150 mg twice a day was prescribed from day 214. At just about 4 weeks later, nilotinib was discontinued due to myelosuppression. Then, it was reduced to 150 mg per day and was re-initiated (day 349), but she was still non-tolerant to it. Similarly, from day 398, flumatinib at 200 mg per day was tried, but she was non-tolerant. Her white blood cell or platelet count fluctuated markedly with poor therapeutic response. Considering that she was relatively tolerant and responsive to imatinib, the medication was re-initiated at 200 mg and reduced to 100 mg per day. Her follow-up revealed stable WBC and PLT counts. The latest BCR-ABL-210/ABL was decreased to 0.68% at about 6 months after imatinib was re-initiated, which means an improved response.

Conclusion

The offset effect between CML and SARS-CoV-2 infection was supposed to be the underlying mechanism for the absence of leukocytosis or splenomegaly. The impact of immune network by SARS-CoV-2 preserved and disrupted the patient’s response to TKIs despite the virus’ ablation. We suggest that a continued elevation of basophils may be a useful indicator for CML concurrent with COVID-19, and individualized treatment with adjusted dosage and suitable type of TKIs should be considered to improve the patient’s health outcome.
Cascaded Internal Phase Control of All-Fiber Coherent Fiber Laser Array
Authors: Chang Hongxiang , Su Rongtao , Zhang Yuqiu , Jiang Min , Chang Qi , Long Jinhu , Ma Pengfei , Ma Yanxing , Zhou Pu
Published: June 2022

Fiber lasers have been widely used in medical care, industries, and scientific research in recent years. The coherent beam combining of fiber lasers with an internal phase control has drawn many interests at present, which is a promising method to achieve a large-scale optical phased array. In this article, we presented a cascaded internal phase control method to expand the internal all-fiber phased array. The method distributes the phase measurements to a series of internal Mach–Zender interferometers. Then, the phase of each loop is locked by the gradient descent algorithm. The electric control method to compensate π-ambiguity between channels is proposed. Finally, the phases of the three fiber beams are locked experimentally to verify the feasibility of the method, and the residue phase error is better than λ/22.
Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Performance Fed Low Trophic Ingredients in a Fish Meal and Fish Oil Free Diet
Authors: Kousoulaki K. , Sveen L. , Norén F. , Espmark Å.
Published: June 2022

To evolve fish farming in an eco-efficient way, feed production must become less dependent on forage fish-based ingredients and make more use of low trophic level organisms, including microalgae, higher plants, as filter feeding organisms and other ingredients with low competition to established food value chains. Diets nearly free of fish meal and fish oil are not a novelty but are often composed of complex mixtures, containing supplements to meet the farmed animal’s nutritional requirements. Sustaining a growing aquaculture production, maintaining at the same time fish health, welfare, and profitability, and meeting strict environmental and food safety demands, is challenging and requires new technologies, great investments, and more knowledge. A benchmarking feeding trial was performed to demonstrate the main effects of four low trophic raw materials on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) growth, metabolism, skin health and fillet quality. To this end, a diet was produced to contain commercially relevant levels of fresh high quality organic FM and FO and was used as a control in the trial (FMFO). Heterotrophically produced Schizochytrium limacinum biomass was used to replace organic FO (HM diet). Spray dried cell wall disrupted biomass of the phototrophically cultured diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum replaced partly FM and FO (PM diet). Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal and tunicate (Ciona intestinalis) meal, were used to produce the diets BSFL and TM, respectively, replacing large parts of FM as compared to the FMFO. A fifth test diet was produced combining all test raw materials and removing all FM and FO (0FM0FO diet). All test ingredients were well accepted sustaining high growth rates (TGC values near 4) and feed efficiency (FCR values below 0.9) in salmon showing good gut health and normal metabolic responses. However, none of the treatments reached the growth performance of FMFO. Additional differences between test and control treatments were identified in dietary nutrient apparent digestibility, fish biometrics, blood metabolites and fillet and skin composition. Extensive raw material and dietary chemical characterisation was performed to provide insight on potential shortcomings in the novel low trophic level ingredients which can possibly be overcome combining complementary raw materials.
Outcomes and Hand Use of Reaching Attempts: Comparison of Infants at Risk for Developmental Disability and Infants With Typical Development
Authors: Remec Nushka , Zhou Judy , Shida-Tokeshi Joanne , Pickering Trevor A. , Vanderbilt Douglas L. , Smith Beth A.
Published: June 2022

Background

Infants at risk for developmental disabilities often show signs of motor delay. Reaching is a skill that can help us identify atypical motor trajectories in early infancy. Researchers have studied performance after onset of reaching, but none have followed infants at risk from pre-reaching to skilled reaching.

Aims

We assessed differences in reaching outcomes and hand use as reaching skill emerged in infants at risk for developmental disabilities and with typical development.

Methods and Procedures

We followed infants at risk for developmental disabilities (n = 11) and infants with typical development (n = 21) longitudinally as they developed reaching skill. Infants reached for a toy at midline while sitting in the caregiver’s lap. Video data were coded for reach outcome (miss, touch, partial grasp, and whole-hand grasp) and hand use (right, left, and bilateral).

Outcomes and Results

Infants at risk had a larger proportion of missed reaches across visits compared to infants with typical development. Infants at risk also showed less variability in hand use when grasping over the study period.

Conclusion and Implications

Our results provide information to support early differences in reaching performance to inform identification of typical and atypical developmental trajectories. Future studies should assess how the missed reaches are different and consider other quantitative measures of movement variability in infants at risk.
Dyadic Experiences and Psychosocial Management of Couples Facing Advanced Cancer: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Hasdenteufel Marie , Quintard Bruno
Published: June 2022

Background

Cancer diagnosis and treatment represent a real upheaval both for the patient and for his or her life partner. Adjustment to cancer has been widely studied at the individual level, however, there is little in the literature about the experiences of the couple as an entity. This is especially true with regard to a population facing advanced cancer. This systematic review aimed to make an inventory of 1) the current knowledge relating to the experience of the patient-partner dyad when confronted with advanced cancer, and 2) the psychosocial interventions specifically centered on this dyad.

Method

This review was conducted using the Cochrane methodology. The eligibility criteria for the literature review were: one of the members of the dyad being treated for advanced cancer, dyad composed of the patient and his/her life partner. Databases from PubMed, PsycArticle, PsycInfo, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection and Scopus were investigated. A thematic content analysis on the basis of admitted articles made it possible to respond to each of our research objectives.

Results

Three hundred eighty-nine citations were found. Twenty were admitted to the systematic review of the literature. It highlighted the following experiences of the advanced cancer patient-life partner dyad: uncertainty about the future, disjointed time, intrusion into the couple's intimacy, attachment style and caregiving within the couple, couple's adjustment to cancer symptomatology, the couple's supportive care needs, role changes, nature of communication within the couple, anticipation of the coming death, and the meanings and beliefs around death. This review also describes the range of couple therapies used in the context of advanced cancer: emotionally focused-couple therapy, existential therapy, art therapy, support therapy and couple communication and intimacy promotion. These therapies seem to have individual beneficial effects for both the patient and his or her life partner as well as improving marital functioning.

Conclusions

These results clearly highlight that consideration of the couple and communication within the couple during care are fundamental to dyadic adjustment to advanced cancer. Further studies (qualitative and quantitative) are needed to better understand the couple's experience in order to adapt the management of the couple facing advanced cancer.
The Effect of Chronic Exercise on Energy and Fatigue States: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Wender Carly L. A. , Manninen Mika , O’Connor Patrick J.
Published: June 2022

In this meta-analysis, we synthesized the results of randomized controlled trials of different exercise training interventions on participants’ feelings of fatigue, energy, and vitality. The search of studies was conducted using six databases as well as several other supplementary search strategies available before December 2021. The initial search generated over 3,600 articles with 81 studies (7,050 participants) and 172 effects meeting the inclusion criteria. We analyzed the effects from the studies using a meta-analytic multivariate model and considered the potential moderating effect of multiple variables. Our analysis revealed exercise to decrease the feelings of fatigue by a small effect size (g = −0.374; 95% CI [−0.521, −0.227]), increase energy by a small-to-moderate effect size (g = 0.415; 95% CI [0.252, 0.578]), and to increase the feeling of vitality by a moderate effect size (g = 0.537; 95% CI [0.404, 0.671]). All main results remained robust after several sensitivity analyses using different statistical estimators, and consideration of outlier and influential studies. Moreover, moderator analyses revealed significant effects of exercise intensity and intervention duration on fatigue, exercise intensity, and modality on energy, and participant health, exercise intensity modality, and exercise training location on vitality. We conclude that when groups adopt a moderate intensity exercise training program while participating in a randomized trial, compared to controls, this typically results in small-to-moderate average improvements in feelings of fatigue, energy, and vitality.
Barriers to Physical Activity in Spanish Children and Adolescents: Sex and Educational Stage Differences
Authors: Delfa-De-La-Morena José Manuel , Bores-García Daniel , Solera-Alfonso Adrián , Romero-Parra Nuria
Published: June 2022

According to worrisome childhood obesity and inadequate physical activity (PA) levels worldwide, especially exacerbated in adolescents girls, this work aimed to identify sex and educational stage differences in barriers to meet PA requirements and international guidelines in Spanish children and adolescents considering the entire educational pathway (primary, secondary, and college). The Short Form of the International PA Questionnaire and the Scale of Perceived Barriers were administered to primary, secondary, and college education students (13,491 boys and 13,238 girls, 9–19 yrs). Two-way ANOVA was performed to analyze barriers to PA according to sex and educational stage with physical status as covariate. Higher disliking and time barriers were reported by females (1.5 ± 1.2 and 3.2 ± 1.5 points) in comparison to males (1.2 ± 1.0 and 2.8 ± 1.4), while primary students showed lower disliking and time (1.2 ± 1.0 and 2.8 ± 1.5) and higher safety (3.1 ± 1.8) constraints in comparison to secondary (1.4 ± 1.1, 3.1 ± 1.4, and 2.8 ± 1.7) and college (1.5 ± 1.2, 3.2 ± 1.5, and 2.8 ± 1.6; p < 0.05 for all comparisons). College females showed higher disliking (1.7 ± 1.2) and time (3.5 ± 1.4) barriers than secondary females (1.5 ± 1.2 and 3.3 ± 1.4; p < 0.05). Sex and educational stage were determinant for time and dislike of PA barriers, which were rated higher by female students in comparison to their male counterparts and from primary education onwards. Altogether this, suggests promotion strategies should carefully consider girls and the step into secondary school.
Listening to the Magnetosphere: How Best to Make ULF Waves Audible
Authors: Archer Martin O. , Cottingham Marek , Hartinger Michael D. , Shi Xueling , Coyle Shane , Hill Ethan “Duke” , Fox Michael F. J. , Masongsong Emmanuel V.
Published: June 2022

Observations across the heliosphere typically rely on in situ spacecraft observations producing time-series data. While often this data is analysed visually, it lends itself more naturally to our sense of sound. The simplest method of converting oscillatory data into audible sound is audification—a one-to-one mapping of data samples to audio samples—which has the benefit that no information is lost, thus is a true representation of the original data. However, audification can make some magnetospheric ULF waves observations pass by too quickly for someone to realistically be able to listen to effectively. For this reason, we detail various existing audio time scale modification techniques developed for music, applying these to ULF wave observations by spacecraft and exploring how they affect the properties of the resulting audio. Through a public dialogue we arrive at recommendations for ULF wave researchers on rendering these waves audible and discuss the scientific and educational possibilities of these new methods.
The Brand–Land Identity of Etna Volcano Valley Wines: A Policy Delphi Study
Authors: Bellia Claudio , Columba Pietro , Ingrassia Marzia
Published: June 2022

This is the first study on the brand–land link for quality wines with a strong identity produced in extreme territories using the Policy Delphi methodology. The objective of this study is to assess the existence of a relationship between the wine brand and the territory of origin for wines produced in the Etna valley in Sicily (southern Italy). Awareness among producers and stakeholders of the recognizability of local wines by the market was investigated. Moreover, the forecasts/reliability, issues/importance, options/feasibility, and goals/desirability of development factors for wines with a brand–land link in the Etna valley were analyzed. The results were used to design a model of the value chain for wines with a brand–land identity which is generalizable to other wine regions. In this study, the policy Delphi method was adapted, consolidated, and improved for marketing studies in the agri-food sector. This adapted method can be replicated in other studies focusing on similar contexts. The findings provide insights into the characteristics (type and category) of development factors that add value to Etna Rosso DOC wine and provide interesting food for thought for wine-producing companies in other wine-growing areas with unique pedoclimatic characteristics that determine a strong brand–land link between wine and its territory or origin. Practical implications encompass new elements for winemakers, as well as for local decision-makers and stakeholders, for the formulation of more effective communication strategies and territorial revitalization strategies to enhance the competitiveness and appreciation of wines with strong geographical identity traits. To highlight these elements, a new theoretical model was designed that includes the experience of the territory and the product in the value chain of iconic wines.
A Residual LSTM and Seq2Seq Neural Network Based on GPT for Chinese Rice-Related Question and Answer System
Authors: Wang Haoriqin , Wu Huarui , Zhu Huaji , Miao Yisheng , Wang Qinghu , Qiao Shicheng , Zhao Haiyan , Chen Cheng , Zhang Jingjian
Published: June 2022

Rice has a wide planting area as one of the essential food crops in China. The problem of diseases and pests in rice production has always been one of the main factors affecting its quality and yield. It is essential to provide treatment methods and means for rice diseases and pests quickly and accurately in the production process. Therefore, we used the rice question-and-answer (Q&A) community as an example. This paper aimed at the critical technical problems faced by the agricultural Q&A community: the accuracy of the existing agricultural Q&A model is low, which is challenging to meet users’ requirements to obtain answers in real-time in the production process. A network based on Attention-ResLSTM-seq2seq was used to realize the construction of the rice question and answer model. Firstly, the text presentation of rice question-and-answer pairs was obtained using the GPT pre-training model based on a 12-layer transformer. Then, ResLSTM(Residual Long Short-Term Memory) was used to extract text features in the encoder and decoder, and the output project matrix and output gate of LSTM were used to control the spatial information flow. When the network contacts the optimal state, the network only retains the constant mapping value of the input vector, which effectually reduces the network parameters and increases the network performance. Next, the attention mechanism was connected between the encoder and the decoder, which can effectually strengthen the weight of the keyword feature information of the question. The results showed that the BLEU and ROUGE of the Attention-ResLSTM-Seq2seq model reached the highest scores, 35.3% and 37.8%, compared with the other six rice-related generative question answering models.
Shading Nets Reduce Canopy Temperature and Improve Photosynthetic Performance in ‘Pinkerton’ Avocado Trees during Extreme Heat Events
Authors: Alon Eitan , Shapira Or , Azoulay-Shemer Tamar , Rubinovich Lior
Published: June 2022

Frequent extreme heat events cause major financial losses for the avocado industry. Shading nets are used to protect crops from harsh environmental hazards. To determine their ability to improve photosynthetic performance under extreme heat in avocado, we examined the impact of a resilient high-density silver 60% shading net on mature ‘Pinkerton’ avocado trees during such conditions. We hypothesized that reduced solar irradiation will lower canopy temperature and improve tree performance. During extreme heat events, photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), air temperature (Tair) and leaf temperature (Tleaf) reached 1188 μmol m−2 s−1, 43.1 °C and 43.8 °C in the control plots, respectively. In the net-covered plots, these parameters significantly decreased to 401 μmol m−2 s−1, 40.3 °C and 39.8 °C, respectively. Interestingly, leaf CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance to water vapor (gs) and substomatal internal CO2 concentration (Ci) were significantly higher, by 94%, 120% and 13%, respectively, than in controls. On days with regular fall temperatures, PPFD, Tair and Tleaf reached 814 μmol m−2 s−1, 31.2 °C and 31.6 °C in the control plots, respectively. In the net-covered plots, these parameters significantly decreased to 291 μmol m−2 s−1, 29.5 °C and 29.4 °C, respectively. However, leaf CO2 assimilation was significantly (20%) lower, gs was similar and Ci was 10% higher than in control trees. These findings suggest that silver 60% shading nets may potentially reduce heat stress during extreme heat events, calling for long-term studies on their effects on flowering and fruit set, load, size and quality.
Antibiotic Resistance Carriage Causes a Lower Survivability Due to Stress Associated with High-Pressure Treatment among Strains from Starter Cultures
Authors: Zarzecka Urszula , Zadernowska Anna , Chajęcka-Wierzchowska Wioleta , Wiśniewska Krystyna , Modzelewska-Kapituła Monika
Published: June 2022

High-pressure processing is one of the most promising novel food preservation methods that is increasingly used in the food industry. Its biggest advantage is that it is a nonthermal method that ensures the microbiological safety of the product while maintaining other features, including nutritional value. If products made with starter cultures are subjected to high-pressure treatment, the process parameters should be selected so as not to eliminate all microorganisms in the product. The aim of the study was to investigate if carrying antibiotic resistance genes affects the survival of lactic acid bacteria (Lactococcus and the former Lactobacillus) strains during high-pressure treatment. Survival was assessed using the plate count method. It was shown that the strains carrying antibiotic resistance genes showed a lower survival to high pressure. This might be explained by the phenomenon of fitness cost, consisting in a reduced adaptation of antibiotic-resistant strains related to metabolic expenditure. The obtained results indicate the need for further research in this field and the need to select food processing parameters depending on the strains intentionally included in the food.
EST-Microsatellite Types and Structural Scenarios in European Hake Fisheries
Authors: Pita Alfonso , Fernández-Míguez María , Presa Pablo
Published: June 2022

A fishery’s structure and connectivity are priors to its effective management. A successful description of such processes depends on both the sampling design and the choice of adequate genetic markers. EST markers are perfusing the studies of marine metapopulations and are believed to provide access to functional polymorphisms. However, the assumed adaptive role of outlier EST loci might not be generalizable. EST-microsatellites represent the upper polymorphic boundary in these regions because of their high mutation rate. We have subclassified the polymorphisms of EST-microsatellites to assess their structural contribution in the European hake, a paradigmatic and highly mobile marine species (HMMS). Because of the counterbalanced forces between directional markers (15%) and balanced markers (23%), the whole marker set offers the same structural situation as the one observed with neutral markers (62%), i.e., k = 2 gene pools. In contrast to outlier EST- microsatellites, neutral EST subsets allow one to measure crucial population phenomena for fisheries’ management. The high inter-population divergence of outlier EST-microsatellites is compatible with drifted post-selection genomic regions rather than with ongoing local selective pressures. The structural scenario in hake is explainable by a limited gene flow across the Almería-Oran Front (AOF) and by the within-basin IBD pattern of connectivity plus drift-related demographic events. This study highlights how polymorphic properties of EST-microsatellite types can be useful to address mutually excluding research tasks in fisheries, i.e., to address its evolutionary history (directional markers or FAPS: Fossil Adaptive Polymorphic Systems); to delineate management units (neutral markers or NAPS: Non Adaptive Polymorphic Systems); or to ensure sustainability (balanced markers or APS: Adaptive Polymorphic Systems).
Health Information Orientation Profiles and Their Association with Knowledge of Antibiotic Use in a Population with Good Internet Access: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Guo Huiling , Lim Huai Yang , Chow Angela
Published: June 2022

Background: Poor knowledge of antibiotic use drives poor antibiotic practices, but little is known about the influence of health information orientation (HIO) on knowledge of antibiotic use in the general public. Methods: We conducted a nationally-representative population-wide cross-sectional study (November 2020–January 2021), on a proportionately stratified random sample of 2004 Singapore residents aged ≥21 years. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between HIO and knowledge of antibiotic use. Results: Forty percent of respondents had low-levels of HIO (LL-HIO); they tended to be younger, not currently married, and did not have family/friends working in the healthcare sector. Respondents with LL-HIO (aOR 1.82, 95% CI 1.32–2.51, p < 0.001) were 82% more likely to have poor knowledge of antibiotic use. In particular, older adults aged ≥50 years with LL-HIO (aOR 1.81, 95% CI [1.32–2.51], p < 0.001) were much more likely to have poor knowledge than their HL-HIO counterparts. They were also less likely to use the Internet to seek health information and had poor eHealth efficacy. Conclusion: LL-HIO is independently associated with poor knowledge of antibiotic use. Educational strategies on antibiotic use should disseminate a consistent message through both online and offline platforms, involving traditional and non-traditional healthcare and non-healthcare influencers.
Epidemiology of Candidemia and Fluconazole Resistance in an ICU before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic Era
Authors: Routsi Christina , Meletiadis Joseph , Charitidou Efstratia , Gkoufa Aikaterini , Kokkoris Stelios , Karageorgiou Stavros , Giannopoulos Charalampos , Koulenti Despoina , Andrikogiannopoulos Petros , Perivolioti Efstathia , Argyropoulou Athina , Vasileiadis Ioannis , Vrioni Georgia , Paramythiotou Elizabeth
Published: June 2022

The objectives of this study were to investigate the incidence of candidemia, as well as the factors associated with Candida species distribution and fluconazole resistance, among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic, as compared to two pre-pandemic periods. All patients admitted to the ICU due to COVID-19 from March 2020 to October 2021, as well as during two pre-pandemic periods (2005–2008 and 2012–2015), who developed candidemia, were included. During the COVID-19 study period, the incidence of candidemia was 10.2%, significantly higher compared with 3.2% and 4.2% in the two pre-pandemic periods, respectively. The proportion of non-albicans Candida species increased (from 60.6% to 62.3% and 75.8%, respectively), with a predominance of C. parapsilosis. A marked increase in fluconazole resistance (from 31% to 37.7% and 48.4%, respectively) was also observed. Regarding the total patient population with candidemia (n = 205), fluconazole resistance was independently associated with ICU length of stay (LOS) before candidemia (OR 1.03; CI: 1.01–1.06, p = 0.003), whereas the presence of shock at candidemia onset was associated with C. albicans (OR 6.89; CI: 2.2–25, p = 0.001), and with fluconazole-susceptible species (OR 0.23; CI: 0.07–0.64, p = 0.006). In conclusion, substantial increases in the incidence of candidemia, in non-albicansCandida species, and in fluconazole resistance were found in patients admitted to the ICU due to COVID-19, compared to pre-pandemic periods. At candidemia onset, prolonged ICU LOS was associated with fluconazole-resistant and the presence of shock with fluconazole-susceptible species.
Uric Acid Reacts with Peroxidasin, Decreases Collagen IV Crosslink, Impairs Human Endothelial Cell Migration and Adhesion
Authors: Dempsey Bianca , Cruz Litiele Cezar , Mineiro Marcela Franco , da Silva Railmara Pereira , Meotti Flavia Carla
Published: June 2022

Uric acid is considered the main substrate for peroxidases in plasma. The oxidation of uric acid by human peroxidases generates urate free radical and urate hydroperoxide, which might affect endothelial function and explain, at least in part, the harmful effects of uric acid on the vascular system. Peroxidasin (PXDN), the most recent heme-peroxidase described in humans, catalyzes the formation of hypobromous acid, which mediates collagen IV crosslinks in the extracellular matrix. This enzyme has gained increasing scientific interest since it is associated with cardiovascular disease, cancer, and renal fibrosis. The main objective here was to investigate whether uric acid would react with PXDN and compromise the function of the enzyme in human endothelial cells. Urate decreased Amplex Red oxidation and brominating activity in the extracellular matrix (ECM) from HEK293/PXDN overexpressing cells and in the secretome of HUVECs. Parallelly, urate was oxidized to 5-hydroxyisourate. It also decreased collagen IV crosslink in isolated ECM from PFHR9 cells. Urate, the PXDN inhibitor phloroglucinol, and the PXDN knockdown impaired migration and adhesion of HUVECs. These results demonstrated that uric acid can affect extracellular matrix formation by competing for PXDN. The oxidation of uric acid by PXDN is likely a relevant mechanism in the endothelial dysfunction related to this metabolite.
Structural Damage Identification Based on Variable-Length Elements and an Improved Genetic Algorithm for Railway Bridges
Authors: Yang Hongyin , Zhang Wei , Zhang Aixin , Wu Nanhao , Liu Zhangjun
Published: June 2022

A new damage identification method is proposed to solve the problem of no correspondence between the element division form of the finite element model and the actual damage location. The three basic operators in the traditional genetic algorithm are improved, and the catastrophe and neighborhood search processes are introduced to enhance the local optimization ability of the algorithm. The train–rail–bridge coupling time-varying equation is established. Based on the dynamic response of the bridge under trainload, the damage index is constructed, and the corresponding objective function is given. Through a numerical example, the stability and convergence rate of the algorithm are statistically analyzed. The effects of noise, the number of measuring points, and train speed on the recognition results are discussed. The research results indicate that, even if the damage location is different from the element division form of the finite element model, this method can accurately locate the damage location, but it will affect the quantitative results to a certain extent. In addition, the convergence speed of this method is fast, and the computing efficiency is about 6.7 times that of the conventional one-time recognition method.
Development of a Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network for Optimal Predictive Modeling in Urban Microcellular Radio Environments
Authors: Isabona Joseph , Imoize Agbotiname Lucky , Ojo Stephen , Karunwi Olukayode , Kim Yongsung , Lee Cheng-Chi , Li Chun-Ta
Published: June 2022

Modern cellular communication networks are already being perturbed by large and steadily increasing mobile subscribers in high demand for better service quality. To constantly and reliably deploy and optimally manage such mobile cellular networks, the radio signal attenuation loss between the path lengths of a base transmitter and the mobile station receiver must be appropriately estimated. Although many log-distance-based linear models for path loss prediction in wireless cellular networks exist, radio frequency planning requires advanced non-linear models for more accurate predictive path loss estimation, particularly for complex microcellular environments. The precision of the conventional models on path loss prediction has been reported in several works, generally ranging from 8–12 dB in terms of Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), which is too high compared to the acceptable error limit between 0 and 6 dB. Toward this end, the need for near-precise machine learning-based path loss prediction models becomes imperative. This work develops a distinctive multi-layer perception (MLP) neural network-based path loss model with well-structured implementation network architecture, empowered with the grid search-based hyperparameter tuning method. The proposed model is designed for optimal path loss approximation between mobile station and base station. The hyperparameters examined include the neuron number, learning rate and hidden layers number. In detail, the developed MLP model prediction accuracy level using different learning and training algorithms with the tuned best values of the hyperparameters have been applied for extensive path loss experimental datasets. The experimental path loss data is acquired via a field drive test conducted over an operational 4G LTE network in an urban microcellular environment. The results were assessed using several first-order statistical performance indicators. The results show that prediction errors of the proposed MLP model compared favourably with measured data and were better than those obtained using conventional log-distance-based path loss models.
Machine-Learning Applications in Oral Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: López-Cortés Xaviera A. , Matamala Felipe , Venegas Bernardo , Rivera César
Published: June 2022

Over the years, several machine-learning applications have been suggested to assist in various clinical scenarios relevant to oral cancer. We offer a systematic review to identify, assess, and summarize the evidence for reported uses in the areas of oral cancer detection and prevention, prognosis, pre-cancer, treatment, and quality of life. The main algorithms applied in the context of oral cancer applications corresponded to SVM, ANN, and LR, comprising 87.71% of the total published articles in the field. Genomic, histopathological, image, medical/clinical, spectral, and speech data were used most often to predict the four areas of application found in this review. In conclusion, our study has shown that machine-learning applications are useful for prognosis, diagnosis, and prevention of potentially malignant oral lesions (pre-cancer) and therapy. Nevertheless, we strongly recommended the application of these methods in daily clinical practice.