bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retinoblastoma-E2F Transcription Factor Interplay Is Essential for Testicular Development and Male Fertility
Authors: Mäkelä Juho-Antti , Toppari Jorma
Published: May 2022

The retinoblastoma (RB) protein family members (pRB, p107 and p130) are key regulators of cell cycle progression, but also play crucial roles in apoptosis, and stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. RB proteins exert their effects through binding to E2F transcription factors, which are essential developmental and physiological regulators of tissue and organ homeostasis. According to the canonical view, phosphorylation of RB results in release of E2Fs and induction of genes needed for progress of the cell cycle. However, there are eight members in the E2F transcription factor family with both activator (E2F1-3a) and repressor (E2F3b–E2F8) roles, highlighting the functional diversity of RB-E2F pathway. In this review article we summarize the data showing that RB-E2F interaction is a key cell-autonomous mechanism responsible for establishment and maintenance of lifelong male fertility. We also review the expression pattern of RB proteins and E2F transcription factors in the testis and male germ cells. The available evidence supports that RB and E2F family members are widely and dynamically expressed in the testis, and they are known to have versatile roles during spermatogenesis. Knowledge of the function and significance of RB-E2F interplay for testicular development and spermatogenesis comes primarily from gene knock-out (KO) studies. Several studies conducted in Sertoli cell-specific pRB-KO mice have demonstrated that pRB-mediated inhibition of E2F3 is essential for Sertoli cell functional maturation and cell cycle exit, highlighting that RB-E2F interaction in Sertoli cells is paramount to male fertility. Similarly, ablation of either pRB or E2F1 in the germline results in progressive testicular atrophy due to germline stem cell (GSC) depletion, emphasizing the importance of proper RB-E2F interplay for germline maintenance and lifelong sperm production. In summary, while balanced RB-E2F interplay is essential for cell-autonomous maintenance of GSCs and, the pRB-E2F3 system in Sertoli cells is critical for providing GSC niche thus laying the basis for spermatogenesis.
Dual Set-Membership State Estimation for Power Distribution Networks Under Event-Triggered Mechanism
Authors: Bai Xingzhen , Li Guhui , Ding Mingyu , Ji Xingquan , Li Jing , Zheng Xinlei
Published: May 2022

This article is concerned with the set-membership state estimation problem for power distribution networks (PDNs) over a resource-constrained communication network under the influence of unknown but bounded (UBB) noises. Firstly, in order to alleviate the pressure of information communication network (ICN) while meeting the state estimation requirements, the event-triggered mechanism is adopted to send data containing more valid information to estimation center, reasonably reducing the signal transmission frequency. Secondly, an event-triggered dual set-membership filter (ET-DSMF) is designed to improve the performance of state estimation. The proposed filter performs a discrete approximation for a semi-infinite programming problem by the random sampling technique, and a compact linearization error bounding ellipsoid is obtained by solving the dual problem of the nonlinear programming. Subsequently, a sufficient condition for the existence of the estimated ellipsoid is derived depending on the mathematical induction method. The key time-varying filter gain matrix and optimal estimated ellipsoid are determined recursively by solving a convex optimization problem, according to the minimum trace criterion. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed filtering algorithm is demonstrated by performing simulation experiments on the IEEE 13 distribution test system.
An Optimal Scheduling Strategy for Integrated Energy Systems Using Demand Response
Authors: Lin Shunfu , Lin Mengchen , Shen Yunwei , Li Dongdong
Published: May 2022

With the development of power-to-gas (P2G) technology and demand-response (DR) technology, new ideas have been proposed for research into the scheduling strategy for integrated energy systems (IER). Focusing on wind power consumption, this paper proposes a day-ahead scheduling strategy for IER with P2G equipment, taking into consideration DR. On the energy consumption side, a demand elasticity matrix is introduced to describe the user’s participation in DR. On the energy supply side, P2G equipment is introduced to improve the coupling of electricity and natural gas, and scenario generation and reduction techniques are introduced to describe the uncertainty of renewable energy output. The maximum net income of the IER is set as the objective function. The optimal scheduling scheme of the system was obtained by solving the scheduling model. The results indicate that the proposed strategy outperforms the traditional operation and can achieve peak cutting and valley filling, maximize the net income of the IER operators, promote the consumption of renewable energy and improve the energy utilization rate of the system.
Dust Aerosol’s Deposition and its Effects on Chlorophyll-A Concentrations Based on Multi-Sensor Satellite Observations and Model Simulations: A Case Study
Authors: Wang Wencai , He Zhizheng , Hai Shangfei , Sheng Lifang , Han Yongqing , Zhou Yang
Published: May 2022

Asian dust deposition is an important source of nutrients to the Pacific Ocean, when aerosol dust is deposited into the ocean, it will affect the biological productivity and hence climate. In this paper, we analyzed a dust process that occurred in the Taklimakan Desert during 21–25 May 2019 by employing multi-sensor satellite observations and the WRF-Chem model. It is found that dust aerosols rise in the Taklimakan Desert, moving eastward at high altitudes under the role of the westerly winds, passing over the downwind regions, and deposition in the Pacific Ocean. Dust aerosol deposition results in an increase of chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations and particulate organic carbon (POC) after 2 days, Chl-a concentrations and POC increase by 175 and 873%, respectively. Moreover, the values of Chl-a concentrations and POC are 256 and 644% higher than the 5-years average during the same period.
Two Sides of the Same Desert: Floristic Connectivity and Isolation Along the Hyperarid Coast and Precordillera in Peru and Chile
Authors: Ruhm Jonathan , Böhnert Tim , Mutke Jens , Luebert Federico , Montesinos-Tubée Daniel B. , Weigend Maximilian
Published: May 2022

In this study we aim at refining our understanding of the floristic connectivity of the loma- and precordillera floras of southern Peru and northern Chile and the parameters determining vegetation cover in this region. We used multivariate analyses to test for floristic- and environmental similarity across 53 precordillera and loma locations in Peru and Chile. We propose the use of predictive modeling in estimating the extent of desert vegetation as a complementary method to remote sensing. We created habitat suitability models for the vegetation on the coast and in the precordillera based on a combination of latent bioclimatic variables and additional environmental predictors using Maxent. We found Peruvian and Chilean lomas to be strongly floristically differentiated, as are the Chilean precordillera and lomas. Conversely, there is clear connectivity between both the Peruvian loma- and precordillera floras on the one hand and the Peruvian and Chilean precordillera floras on the other. Divergent environmental conditions were retrieved as separating the precordillera and lomas, while environmental conditions are not differentiated between Peruvian and Chilean lomas. Peruvian and Chilean precordilleras show a gradual change in environmental conditions. Habitat suitability models of vegetation cover retrieve a gap for the loma vegetation along the coast between Peru and Chile, while a continuous belt of suitable habitats is retrieved along the Andean precordillera. Unsuitable habitat for loma vegetation north and south of the Chilean and Peruvian border likely represents an ecogeographic barrier responsible for the floristic divergence of Chilean and Peruvian lomas. Conversely, environmental parameters change continuously along the precordilleras, explaining the moderate differentiation of the corresponding floras. Our results underscore the idea of the desert core acting as an ecogeographic barrier separating the coast from the precordillera in Chile, while it has a more limited isolating function in Peru. We also find extensive potentially suitable habitats for both loma- and precordillera vegetation so far undetected by methods of remote sensing.
The Efficacy and Safety of Probiotics for Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Luo Chao , Peng Shunlin , Li Mao , Ao Xudong , Liu Zhiqing
Published: May 2022

Background

Probiotics have proven beneficial in a number of immune-mediated and allergic diseases. Several human studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of probiotics in allergic rhinitis; however, evidence for their use has yet to be firmly established.

Objective

We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to address the effect and safety of probiotics on allergic rhinitis.

Methods

We systematically searched databases [MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials] from inception until June 1, 2021. Qualified literature was selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, the data were extracted, and a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted.

Results

Twenty-eight studies were included. The results showed that probiotics significantly relieved allergic rhinitis symptoms (standardized mean difference [SMD], −0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−0.44, −0.13]; p = 0.0003, I2 = 89%), decreased Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) scores compared with the control group (SMD, −0.64, 95% CI [−0.79, −0.49], p < 0.00001, I2 = 97%), and increased T helper cell 1(Th1)/Th2 ratio (mean difference [MD], −2.47, 95% CI [−3.27, −1.68], p < 0.00001, I2 = 72%). There was no significant change in overall or specific IgE levels between probiotic-treated and placebo-treated subjects (SMD, 0.09, 95% CI [−0.16, 0.34], I2 = 0%, and SMD, −0.03, 95% CI [−0.18, 0.13], p = 0.72, I2 = 0%, respectively).

Conclusions

To sum up, probiotic supplement seems to be effective in ameliorating allergic rhinitis symptoms and improving the quality of life, but there is high heterogeneity in some results after subgroup analysis and clinicians should be cautious when recommending probiotics in treating allergic rhinitis.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, PROSPERO (CRD42021242645).
Dynamic Monitoring of Immunoinflammatory Response Identifies Immunoswitching Characteristics of Severe Acute Pancreatitis in Rats
Authors: Zhuang Qian , Huang Liqiang , Zeng Yue , Wu Xu , Qiao Gan , Liu Minghua , Wang Lulu , Zhou Yejiang , Xiong Yuxia
Published: May 2022

Background

Immune dysfunction is the main characteristic of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), and the timing of immune regulation has become a major challenge for SAP treatment. Previous reports about the time point at which the immune status of SAP changed from excessive inflammatory response to immunosuppression (hypo-inflammatory response) are conflicting.

Purposes

The aims of this study are to explore the immunological dynamic changes in SAP rats from the perspective of intestinal mucosal immune function, and to determine the immunoswitching point from excessive inflammatory response to immunosuppression.

Methods

Retrograde injection of sodium taurocholate into the pancreaticobiliary duct was applied to establish a SAP model in rats. The survival rate and the activities of serum amylase and pancreatic lipase in SAP rats were measured at different time points after model construction. The pathological changes in the pancreas and small intestines were analyzed, and the levels of intestinal pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and the numbers of intestinal macrophages, dendritic cells, Th1, Th2, and T regulatory cells were assessed. Meanwhile, the SAP rats were challenged with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) strains to simulate a second hit, and the levels of intestinal inflammatory cytokines and the numbers of immune cells were analyzed to confirm the immunoswitching point.

Results

The time periods of 12–24 h and 48–72 h were the two death peaks in SAP rats. The pancreas of SAP rats showed self-limiting pathological changes, and the switching period of intestinal cytokines, and innate and adaptive immunity indexes occurred at 24–48 h. It was further confirmed that 48 h after SAP model construction was the immunoswitching point from excessive inflammatory response to immunosuppression.

Conclusion

The SAP rats showed characteristics of intestinal mucosal immune dysfunction after model construction, and the 48th h was identified as the immunoswitching point from excessive inflammatory response to immunosuppression. The results are of great significance for optimizing the timing of SAP immune regulation.
Autophagy and the Bone Marrow Microenvironment: A Review of Protective Factors in the Development and Maintenance of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Hamedi Kamron R. , Harmon Katrina A. , Goodwin Richard L. , Arce Sergio
Published: May 2022

The role of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in plasma cells (PC) and their malignant multiple myeloma (MM) counterparts is a well described area of research. The importance of autophagy in these cells, as well as the interplay between autophagy and the UPR system, has also been well studied. In this review, we will discuss the relationship between these two cellular responses and how they can be utilized in MM to account for the high levels of monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) protein synthesis that is characteristic of this disease. Interactions between MM cells and the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment and how MM cells utilize the UPR/autophagy pathway for their survival. These interacting pathways form the foundation for the mechanism of action for bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor used to modify the progression of MM, and the eventual drug resistance that MM cells develop. One important resistance pathway implicated in MM progression is caspase 10 which attenuates autophagy to maintain its prosurvival function and avoid cell death. We lay a groundwork for future research including 3D in vitro models for better disease monitoring and personalized treatment. We also highlight pathways involved in MM cell survival and drug resistance that could be used as new targets for effective treatment.
Crosstalk of Exosomal Non-Coding RNAs in The Tumor Microenvironment: Novel Frontiers
Authors: Jia Zimo , Jia Jinlin , Yao Lihui , Li Zhihan
Published: May 2022

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is defined as a complex and dynamic tissue entity composed of endothelial, stromal, immune cells, and the blood system. The homeostasis and evolution of the TME are governed by intimate interactions among cellular compartments. The malignant behavior of cancer cells, such as infiltrating growth, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, is predominantly dependent on the bidirectional communication between tumor cells and the TME. And such dialogue mainly involves the transfer of multifunctional regulatory molecules from tumor cells and/or stromal cells within the TME. Interestingly, increasing evidence has confirmed that exosomes carrying regulatory molecules, proteins, and nucleic acids act as an active link in cellular crosstalk in the TME. Notably, extensive studies have identified non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), that could be encapsulated by exosomes, which regulate the coordinated function within the TME and thus participate in cancer development and progression. In this review, we summarize recent literature around the topic of the functions and mechanisms of exosomal ncRNAs in the TME and highlight their clinical significance.
Ocean Acidification Alters the Predator – Prey Relationship Between Hydrozoa and Fish Larvae
Authors: Spisla Carsten , Taucher Jan , Sswat Michael , Wunderow Hennrike , Kohnert Peter , Clemmesen Catriona , Riebesell Ulf
Published: May 2022

Anthropogenic CO2 emissions cause a drop in seawater pH and shift the inorganic carbon speciation. Collectively, the term ocean acidification (OA) summarizes these changes. Few studies have examined OA effects on predatory plankton, e.g. Hydrozoa and fish larvae as well as their interaction in complex natural communities. Because Hydrozoa can seriously compete with and prey on other higher-level predators such as fish, changes in their abundances may have significant consequences for marine food webs and ecosystem services. To investigate the interaction between Hydrozoa and fish larvae influenced by OA, we enclosed a natural plankton community in Raunefjord, Norway, for 53 days in eight ≈ 58 m³ pelagic mesocosms. CO2 levels in four mesocosms were increased to ≈ 2000 µatm pCO2, whereas the other four served as untreated controls. We studied OA-induced changes at the top of the food web by following ≈2000 larvae of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) hatched inside each mesocosm during the first week of the experiment, and a Hydrozoa population that had already established inside the mesocosms. Under OA, we detected 20% higher abundance of hydromedusae staged jellyfish, but 25% lower biomass. At the same time, survival rates of Atlantic herring larvae were higher under OA (control pCO2: 0.1%, high pCO2: 1.7%) in the final phase of the study. These results indicate that a decrease in predation pressure shortly after hatch likely shaped higher herring larvae survival, when hydromedusae abundance was lower in the OA treatment compared to control conditions. We conclude that indirect food-web mediated OA effects drove the observed changes in the Hydrozoa – fish relationship, based on significant changes in the phyto-, micro-, and mesoplankton community under high pCO2. Ultimately, the observed immediate consequences of these changes for fish larvae survival and the balance of the Hydrozoa – fish larvae predator – prey relationship has important implications for the functioning of oceanic food webs.
Disparate Inventories of Hypoxia Gene Sets Across Corals Align With Inferred Environmental Resilience
Authors: Alderdice Rachel , Hume Benjamin C. C. , Kühl Michael , Pernice Mathieu , Suggett David J. , Voolstra Christian R.
Published: May 2022

Aquatic deoxygenation has been flagged as an overlooked but key factor contributing to mass bleaching-induced coral mortality. During deoxygenation events triggered by coastal nutrient pollution and ocean warming, oxygen supplies lower to concentrations that can elicit an aerobic metabolic crisis i.e., hypoxia. Surprisingly little is known of the fundamental hypoxia gene set inventory that corals possess to respond to lowered oxygen (i.e., deoxygenation). For instance, it is unclear whether gene copy number differences exist across species that may affect the efficacy of a measured transcriptomic stress response. Therefore, we conducted an ortholog-based meta-analysis to investigate how hypoxia gene inventories differ amongst coral species to assess putative copy number variations (CNVs). We specifically elucidated CNVs for a compiled list of 32 hypoxia genes across 24 protein sets from species with a sequenced genome spanning corals from the robust and complex clade. We found approximately a third of the investigated genes exhibited copy number differences, and these differences were species-specific rather than attributable to the robust-complex split. Interestingly, we consistently found the highest gene expansion present in Porites lutea, which is considered to exhibit inherently greater stress tolerance than other species. Consequently, our analysis suggests that hypoxia stress gene expansion may coincide with increased stress tolerance. As such, the unevenly expanded (or reduced) hypoxia genes presented here provide key genes of interest to target in examining (or diagnosing) coral stress responses. Important next steps will involve determining to what extent such gene copy differences align with certain coral traits.
Oil Spill and Socioeconomic Vulnerability in Marine Protected Areas
Authors: Silva Felipe Roberto da , Schiavetti Alexandre , Malhado Ana Cláudia Mendes , Ferreira Beatrice , Sousa Caio Victor de Paula , Vieira Fábio Pessoa , Pinto Francisco Roberto , Souza Gabriel Barros Gonçalves de , Olavo George , Santos Jéssica Borba Quintela dos , Campos-Silva Joao Vitor , Oliveira Júnior José Gilmar Cavalcante de , Messias Leonardo Tortoriello , Barbosa Filho Márcio Luiz Vargas , Accioly Miguel da Costa , Fabré Nidia Noemi , Abdallah Patrizia Raggi , Lopes Priscila F. M. , Kikuchi Ruy Kenji Papa de , Câmara Samuel Façanha , Batista Vandick da Silva , Soares Marcelo O.
Published: May 2022

The extensive oil spill (> 2,900 km) that occurred in the southwestern Atlantic (2019/2020) increased the vulnerability of the Brazilian coast, affecting marine and coastal protected areas (MPAs). In addition to supporting conservation, MPAs are sustainably used by local populations to help maintain ocean-dependent livelihoods. In this sense, we aim to assess the socioeconomic vulnerability of human communities in MPAs affected by this major oil spill. Using digital mapping, we assessed the socioeconomic vulnerability of 68 human communities living in or near 60 MPAs of different categories that were impacted by this spill. This is the first assessment of the vulnerability status of human populations under significant levels of poverty and social inequality, which are particularly dependent on healthy and effective Brazilian MPAs. More than 6,500 enterprises and institutions were mapped, including trade activities, services, tourism, and leisure venues. Most enterprises (34.4%) were involved in the food sector, related to the ocean economy, and, therefore, highly vulnerable to oil spills. Furthermore, the majority (79.3%) of the vulnerable activities are concentrated in multiple-use MPAs, with extractive reserves coming second and accounting for 18%. This result shows the high vulnerability of this tropical coast to oil accidents and the risks to food security for traditional communities. We also found a heterogeneous vulnerability indicator along the coast, with the most vulnerable regions having an undiversified economic matrix heavily dependent on activities such as fishing, family farming, tourism, accommodation, and the food sector. Thus, this study provides a tool to help prevent and mitigate economic losses and increases the understanding of the weaknesses of MPAs in the face of large-scale disasters, thus helping to build socioeconomic and ecological resilience.
Numerical Simulation and Backscattering Characteristics of Freak Waves Based on JONSWAP Spectrum
Authors: Wu Gengkun , Han Lichen , Zhang Lihong
Published: May 2022

Based on the linear wave superposition model, we realize the numerical simulation of three-dimensional (3-D) surface waves combined with JONSWAP spectrum and stereo wave observation project (SWOP) directional function. According to the formation characteristics of freak waves to concentrate the wave energy at a specific location, the component waves are modulated. A complete numerical simulation model of time-invariant 3-D freak waves evolution is first proposed in this study. Then, the accuracy of the model is verified from the aspects of wave height distribution, frequency spectrum estimation, and freak wave parameters. The effectiveness of wave steepness as the discrimination condition of freak waves is discussed through experiments. In terms of the electromagnetic scattering characteristics of freak waves, we construct an electromagnetic scattering model, fitting the time-invariant 3-D freak wave, based on the two-scale method (TSM). By comparing and analysing the scattering characteristics D-value of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image of the freak wave and the background wave, the rationality of the electromagnetic scattering characteristics of the freak wave as its feature identification is verified. Comparing the normalized radar cross section (NRCS) of freak waves and background sea waves, the experiment shows that the NRCS value of freak waves is the lowest, and the calculation results of the two have obvious differences. The research conclusions above can provide effective data support for the identification and detection of freak waves in practical offshore engineering.
Response Process of Coastal Hypoxia to a Passing Typhoon in the East China Sea
Authors: Meng Qicheng , Zhou Feng , Ma Xiao , Xuan Jiliang , Zhang Han , Wang Shuai , Ni Xiaobo , Zhang Wenyan , Wang Bin , Li Dewang , Tian Di , Li Jia , Zeng Jiangning , Chen Jianfang , Huang Daji
Published: May 2022

Details of the development of coastal hypoxia in response to the passage of Typhoon Bavi (2020) in the East China Sea were reconstructed by numerical modeling using a three-dimensional coupled physical–biogeochemical model. The model was validated via repeated surveys along a transect across a submerged river valley off the Changjiang Estuary before and after the passage of Typhoon Bavi. Before Bavi’s arrival, survey data indicated that the coastal hypoxia had formed off the Changjiang Estuary. However, the hypoxia was not eliminated but instead migrated and aggravated along the observed transect after the typhoon passage. This phenomenon cannot be attributed to the typhoon-induced mixing. Simulation results reveal that the observed development and spatial migration of hypoxia was mainly controlled by typhoon-induced oceanic advection. Results show that Bavi stimulated a regional quasi-barotropic cyclonic loop circulation and coastal downwelling reversing general summer circulation patterns. The onshore transport of the warmer shelf water and subsequent downwelling resulted in a warming of coastal water. The southward coastal current and downwelling induced by the typhoon also led to a migration of the hypoxic zone. Meanwhile, a massive transport of resuspended planktonic detritus from the steep inner shelf and the shallow Changjiang bank toward the submerged river valley occurred. This study reveals that the typhoon-driven currents can play an important role in the development of hypoxia and redistribution of deposited organic matter in coastal shelf seas, which may have both short- and long-term effects on the regional marine biogeochemical environment.
Effects of Algal Blooms on Phytoplankton Composition and Hypoxia in Coastal Waters of the Northern Yellow Sea, China
Authors: Sun Xiaohong , Li Zhao , Ding Xueyan , Ji Guanglei , Wang Lei , Gao Xiaotong , Chang Qige , Zhu Lixin
Published: May 2022

Summer hypoxia and harmful algal bloom occurred sometimes in the nearshore of the northern Yellow Sea in recent years. Based on seven multidisciplinary investigations conducted from March to November 2016, except for April and October, the phytoplankton community and its association with ambient seawater physicochemical parameters in coastal waters of the northern Yellow Sea were comprehensively examined. In total, 39 taxa belonging to 4 phyla and 24 genera were identified. Diatoms and dinoflagellates were the dominant groups, which accounted for 64.1% and 30.8% of total species, respectively. An algal blooming event dominated by the diatom (Thalassiosira pacifica) occurred in March, which affects the shifting of diatom–dinoflagellate dominance. A notable dinoflagellate dominance occurred especially in surface water throughout the whole summer but changed to diatom dominance again from September. Hypoxic zones (<2 mg l-1)were observed in the bottom water in August, with minimum dissolved oxygen (DO) of 1.30 mg l-1. This low DO zone in August was clearly associated with the diatom blooming event (Thalassiosira pacifica) in March, as diatoms in surface waters sank into bottom waters and decomposed by the microbial community resulting in oxygen consumption. After the early-spring diatom bloom, thermohaline stratification occurred and prevented exchanges of dissolved oxygen, which eventually led to hypoxia in bottom waters. The effects of algal blooms on phytoplankton composition and hypoxia could have a cascaded effect on the fishery sustainability and aquaculture in nearshore waters of the northern Yellow Sea.
Knee Bone and Cartilage Segmentation Based on a 3D Deep Neural Network Using Adversarial Loss for Prior Shape Constraint
Authors: Chen Hao , Zhao Na , Tan Tao , Kang Yan , Sun Chuanqi , Xie Guoxi , Verdonschot Nico , Sprengers André
Published: May 2022

Fast and accurate segmentation of knee bone and cartilage on MRI images is becoming increasingly important in the orthopaedic area, as the segmentation is an essential prerequisite step to a patient-specific diagnosis, optimising implant design and preoperative and intraoperative planning. However, manual segmentation is time-intensive and subjected to inter- and intra-observer variations. Hence, in this study, a three-dimensional (3D) deep neural network using adversarial loss was proposed to automatically segment the knee bone in a resampled image volume in order to enlarge the contextual information and incorporate prior shape constraints. A restoration network was proposed to further improve the bone segmentation accuracy by restoring the bone segmentation back to the original resolution. A conventional U-Net-like network was used to segment the cartilage. The ultimate results were the combination of the bone and cartilage outcomes through post-processing. The quality of the proposed method was thoroughly assessed using various measures for the dataset from the Grand Challenge Segmentation of Knee Images 2010 (SKI10), together with a comparison with a baseline network U-Net. A fine-tuned U-Net-like network can achieve state-of-the-art results without any post-processing operations. This method achieved a total score higher than 76 in terms of the SKI10 validation dataset. This method showed to be robust to extract bone and cartilage masks from the MRI dataset, even for the pathological case.
Real-Word Effectiveness of Global COVID-19 Vaccines Against SARS-CoV-2 Variants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Kai , Wang Lin , Li Mingzhe , Xie Bing , He Lu , Wang Meiyu , Zhang Rumin , Hou Nianzong , Zhang Yi , Jia Fusen
Published: May 2022

Background

Currently, promoted vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 are being given out globally. However, the occurrence of numerous COVID-19 variants has hindered the goal of rapid mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic by effective mass vaccinations. The real-word effectiveness of the current vaccines against COVID-19 variants has not been assessed by published reviews. Therefore, our study evaluated the overall effectiveness of current vaccines and the differences between the various vaccines and variants.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, medRxiv, bioRxiv, and arXiv were searched to screen the eligible studies. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale and the Egger test were applied to estimate the quality of the literature and any publication bias, respectively. The pooled incident rates of different variants after vaccination were estimated by single-arm analysis. Meanwhile, the pooled efficacies of various vaccines against variants were evaluated by two-arm analysis using odds ratios (ORs) and vaccine effectiveness (VE).

Results

A total of 6,118 studies were identified initially and 44 articles were included. We found that the overall incidence of variants post first/second vaccine were 0.07 and 0.03, respectively. The VE of the incidence of variants post first vaccine between the vaccine and the placebo or unvaccinated population was 40% and post second vaccine was 96%, respectively. The sub-single-arm analysis showed a low prevalence rate of COVID-19 variants after specific vaccination with the pooled incidence below 0.10 in most subgroups. Meanwhile, the sub-two-arm analysis indicated that most current vaccines had a good or moderate preventive effect on certain variants considering that the VE in these subgroups was between 66 and 95%, which was broadly in line with the results of the sub-single-arm analysis.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis shows that the current vaccines that are used globally could prevent COVID-19 infection and restrict the spread of variants to a great extent. We would also support maximizing vaccine uptake with two doses, as the effectiveness of which was more marked compared with one dose. Although the mRNA vaccine was the most effective against variants according to our study, specific vaccines should be taken into account based on the local dominant prevalence of variants.
Whitecoat Adherence in Patients With Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Poleon Shervonne , Sabbagh Nouran , Racette Lyne
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Whitecoat adherence refers to improved medication adherence in the days surrounding clinic visits. This may lead to clinical measures that are not representative of those outside of clinical encounters. In glaucoma, whitecoat adherence to prescribed hypotensive therapy may lead to intraocular pressure readings within the target range, which may impact clinical decision-making. We aimed to quantify and identify factors associated with whitecoat adherence.

Methods

In this cohort study, patients with primary open-angle glaucoma were selected from an ongoing longitudinal NIH-funded study if they used hypotensive eyedrops, had a clinic visit during the parent study, and had adherence data during the 28 days evenly bracketing the clinic visit. Adherence within the implementation phase was measured using Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS) caps. Wilcoxon tests were used to compare mean adherence between the following periods: Pre14−4 (days 14 to 4 preceding the clinic visit) and Pre3−1 (days 3 to 1 preceding the visit); Post1−3 (days 1 to 3 following the clinic visit) and Post4−14 (days 4 to 14 following the visit). Analyses were performed in the full sample and in patients with optimal (≥80%, n = 49) and suboptimal adherence (<80%, n = 17).

Results

Sixty-six patients were included, of which 51.5% were female. Mean age was 70.8 ± 8.1 years. In the 6 months evenly bracketing the clinic visit, mean and median adherence were 86.3% (standard deviation = 17.7) and 95.6% (interquartile range = 21.2), respectively. Overall, mean adherence increased from Pre14−4 to Pre3−1 (85.5% ± 21.2 to 88.5% ± 23.2, p = 0.01) and decreased from Post1−3 to Post4−14 (87.0 ± 23.9 to 84.9 ± 23.3, p = 0.02). In patients with optimal adherence, adherence increased from Pre14−4 to Pre3−1 (94.0 ± 11.7 to 97.7 ± 7.4, p = 0.001) and from Post1−3 to Post4−14 (95.2 ± 12.0 to 95.4 ± 5.7, p = 0.007). Whitecoat adherence was not observed in patients with suboptimal adherence.

Conclusion

We documented the presence of whitecoat adherence in this cohort. Due to its potential impact on clinical outcomes and decisions, providers should remain vigilant for this phenomenon and prioritize it during patient-provider discussions.
Functional Alterations Involved in Increased Bleeding in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia Mouse Models
Authors: Egido-Turrión Cristina , Rossi Elisa , Ollauri-Ibáñez Claudia , Pérez-García María L. , Sevilla María A. , Bastida José María , González-Porras José Ramón , Rodríguez-Barbero Alicia , Bernabeu Carmelo , Lopez-Novoa José M. , Pericacho Miguel
Published: May 2022

Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal-dominant genetic disorder involving defects in two predominant genes known as endoglin (ENG; HHT-1) and activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ACVRL1/ALK1; HHT-2). It is characterized by mucocutaneous telangiectases that, due to their fragility, frequently break causing recurrent epistaxis and gastrointestinal bleeding. Because of the severity of hemorrhages, the study of the hemostasis involved in these vascular ruptures is critical to find therapies for this disease. Our results demonstrate that HHT patients with high bleeding, as determined by a high Epistaxis Severity Score (ESS), do not have prolonged clotting times or alterations in clotting factors. Considering that coagulation is only one of the processes involved in hemostasis, the main objective of this study was to investigate the overall mechanisms of hemostasis in HHT-1 (Eng+/−) and HHT-2 (Alk1+/−) mouse models, which do not show HHT vascular phenotypes in the meaning of spontaneous bleeding. In Eng+/− mice, the results of in vivo and in vitro assays suggest deficient platelet-endothelium interactions that impair a robust and stable thrombus formation. Consequently, the thrombus could be torn off and dragged by the mechanical force exerted by the bloodstream, leading to the reappearance of hemorrhages. In Alk1+/− mice, an overactivation of the fibrinolysis system was observed. These results support the idea that endoglin and Alk1 haploinsufficiency leads to a common phenotype of impaired hemostasis, but through different mechanisms. This contribution opens new therapeutic approaches to HHT patients' epistaxis.
Inducing Tolerance to Abiotic Stress in Hordeum vulgare L. by Halotolerant Endophytic Fungi Associated With Salt Lake Plants
Authors: Hosseyni Moghaddam Mahdieh S. , Safaie Naser , Rahimlou Saleh , Hagh-Doust Niloufar
Published: May 2022

A characteristic trait of plants living in harsh environments is their association with fungal endophytes, which enable them to survive under extreme stress. Abiotic stress resistance in agro-ecosystems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, can be increased by inoculating these fungal endophytes on plants other than their original hosts. The present study is therefore focused on the possible role of three halotolerant endophytic fungi, i.e., Periconia macrospinosa, Neocamarosporium goegapense, and N. chichastianum, isolated from roots of salt lake plants growing in the central desert of Iran, in alleviating the adverse effects of salinity and drought stresses on barley under greenhouse conditions. To perform this experiment, a randomized block design was applied with three factors: fungi (four levels including three halotolerant endophytic species and control), salinity (three levels including 8, 12, and 16 dS/m), and drought (four levels including 100, 80, 60, 40 percent field capacity). All plants were measured for growth characteristics, chlorophyll concentration, proline content, and antioxidant enzyme activities. A three-way analysis of variance indicated that all three fungal endophytes, to varying extents, induced the barley plants’ resistance to salinity and drought, and their combined effects. Additionally, we found that fungal endophytes were more effective when the barley plants were subjected to higher levels of salinity and drought. Under the stress of salinity and drought, a strong relationship between inoculation of fungal endophytes and enhancement of biomass, shoot length, chlorophyll concentration, proline content, and activity of catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase was indicated. We discussed that increased root growth, proline content, and antioxidant enzyme activity are the main physiological and biochemical mechanisms causing stress resistance in barley plants inoculated with endophytes. Our research findings illustrate that fungal endophytes have a substantial potential for increasing abiotic stress tolerance in barley plants, which can be applied in agricultural ecosystems.
A Review of ApoE4 Interference Targeting Mitophagy Molecular Pathways for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Chen Huiyi , Chen Feng , Jiang Ying , Zhang Lu , Hu Guizhen , Sun Furong , Zhang Miaoping , Ji Yao , Chen Yanting , Che Gang , Zhou Xu , Zhang Yu
Published: May 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the major worldwide causes of dementia that is characterized by irreversible decline in learning, memory loss, and behavioral impairments. Mitophagy is selective autophagy through the clearance of aberrant mitochondria, specifically for degradation to maintain energy generation and neuronal and synaptic function in the brain. Accumulating evidence shows that defective mitophagy is believed to be as one of the early and prominent features in AD pathogenesis and has drawn attention in the recent few years. APOE ε4 allele is the greatest genetic determinant for AD and is widely reported to mediate detrimental effects on mitochondria function and mitophagic process. Given the continuity of the physiological process, this review takes the mitochondrial dynamic and mitophagic core events into consideration, which highlights the current knowledge about the molecular alterations from an APOE-genotype perspective, synthesizes ApoE4-associated regulations, and the cross-talk between these signaling, along with the focuses on general autophagic process and several pivotal processes of mitophagy, including mitochondrial dynamic (DRP1, MFN-1), mitophagic induction (PINK1, Parkin). These may shed new light on the link between ApoE4 and AD and provide novel insights for promising mitophagy-targeted therapeutic strategies for AD.
Third- and Second-Harmonic Generation in All-Dielectric Nanostructures: A Mini Review
Authors: Liu Tingting , Xiao Shuyuan , Li Baoli , Gu Min , Luan Haitao , Fang Xinyuan
Published: May 2022

Frequency conversion such as harmonic generation is a fundamental physical process in nonlinear optics. The conventional nonlinear optical systems suffer from bulky size and cumbersome phase-matching conditions due to the inherently weak nonlinear response of natural materials. Aiming at the manipulation of nonlinear frequency conversion at the nanoscale with favorable conversion efficiencies, recent research has shifted toward the integration of nonlinear functionality into nanophotonics. Compared with plasmonic nanostructures showing high dissipative losses and thermal heating, all-dielectric nanostructures have demonstrated many excellent properties, including low loss, high damage threshold, and controllable resonant electric and magnetic optical nonlinearity. In this review, we cover the recent advances in nonlinear nanophotonics, with special emphasis on third- and second-harmonic generation from all-dielectric nanoantennas and metasurfaces. We discuss the main theoretical concepts, the design principles, and the functionalities of third- and second-harmonic generation processes from dielectric nanostructures and provide an outlook on the future directions and developments of this research field.
R-STDP Spiking Neural Network Architecture for Motion Control on a Changing Friction Joint Robotic Arm
Authors: Juarez-Lora Alejandro , Ponce-Ponce Victor H. , Sossa Humberto , Rubio-Espino Elsa
Published: May 2022

Neuromorphic computing is a recent class of brain-inspired high-performance computer platforms and algorithms involving biologically-inspired models adopting hardware implementation in integrated circuits. The neuromorphic computing applications have provoked the rise of highly connected neurons and synapses in analog circuit systems that can be used to solve today's challenging machine learning problems. In conjunction with biologically plausible learning rules, such as the Hebbian learning and memristive devices, biologically-inspired spiking neural networks are considered the next-generation neuromorphic hardware construction blocks that will enable the deployment of new analogin situlearning capable and energetic efficient brain-like devices. These features are envisioned for modern mobile robotic implementations, currently challenging to overcome the pervasive von Neumann computer architecture. This study proposes a new neural architecture using the spike-time-dependent plasticity learning method and step-forward encoding algorithm for a self tuning neural control of motion in a joint robotic arm subjected to dynamic modifications. Simulations were conducted to demonstrate the proposed neural architecture's feasibility as the network successfully compensates for changing dynamics at each simulation run.
Involvement of PKMζ in Stress Response and Depression
Authors: Liu Jianfeng
Published: May 2022

The stress system in the brain plays a pivotal role in keeping humans and animals from harmful stimuli. However, excessive stress will cause maladaptive changes to the stress system and lead to depression. Despite the high prevalence of depression, the treatment remains limited. PKMζ, an atypical PKC isoform, has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in maintaining long-term potentiation and memory. Recent evidence shows that PKMζ is also involved in stress response and depressive-like behavior. In particular, it was demonstrated that stress that resulted in depressive-like behavior could decrease the expression of PKMζ in the prefrontal cortex, which could be reversed by antidepressants. Importantly, modulation of PKMζ expression could regulate depressive-like behaviors and the actions of antidepressants. These data suggested that PKMζ could be a molecular target for developing novel antidepressants. Here, I review the advance on the role of PKMζ in mediating stress response and its involvement in the development of depression.
Recurrence of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Is Independent of ABO Blood Type: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ou Yunwei , Yu Xiaofan , Wu Liang , Zhang Dong , Liu Weiming
Published: May 2022

Objective

A previous study with a limited number of patients has shown that blood type A was a risk factor in the recurrence of CSDH. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the association between the recurrence of CSDH and ABO blood type based on a larger sample size.

Methods

The authors reviewed in-patients with symptomatic CSDH from August 2011 to August 2021. Hospitalization information and data on long-term outcomes and recurrence among these patients were gathered. For all clinical variables, numbers (percentages) and mean ± standard deviations were used for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. For intergroup comparisons, the χ2 test or one-way ANOVA was carried out. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the association between CSDH recurrence and blood types.

Results

We included 1,556 inpatients in this study. The recurrence rate of CSDH showed no differences among different blood types. In the multivariable logistic regression analyses, ABO blood type (A: OR, 1.064; 95% CI, 0.467–2.851, p = 0.793; B: OR, 0.682, 95% CI, 0.315–1.269, p = 0.164; AB: OR, 0.537, 95% CI, 0.426–1.861, p = 0.357) was not a significantly independent predictor of CSDH recurrence.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that ABO blood type was not a risk factor in the recurrence of CSDH. Thus, we should not pay too much attention to ABO blood type in terms of CSDH recurrence.
A Microanalysis of Mood and Self-Reported Functionality in Stroke Patients Using Ecological Momentary Assessment
Authors: Forster Saskia D. , Gauggel Siegfried , Loevenich Rebecca , Völzke Volker , Petershofer Axel , Zimmermann Petra , Privou Caroline , Bonnert Jürgen , Mainz Verena
Published: May 2022

Post-stroke depression has been repeatedly associated with the degree of functional and cognitive impairment. The present study aimed to conduct a microanalysis on this association and examined the association between mood and self-reported functionality in 20 stroke patients (6 females, age: M = 59.9, SD = 5.2) using ecological momentary assessments (EMA), a structured diary method capturing moment-to-moment variations. Mood and self-reported functionality were recorded via a smartphone-app eight times a day for seven consecutive days during inpatient rehabilitation care. The patients answered on average to 73.2% of the received prompts. Variability in patients' responses was caused by differences both between and within patients. Multilevel regression analyses revealed that mood and self-reported functionality were significantly associated at the same point in time, but only patients' mood predicted their self-reported functionality at the next assessment point in time-lagged analyses. These results remained stable after controlling for between-person differences as patients' age, staff-ratings of their awareness of illness, and their degree of functional independence. Patients' mood appeared to affect their future ratings of their functionality but not the other way around.