bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective Effects of Interleukin-1 Blockade on Group B Streptococcus-Induced Chorioamnionitis and Subsequent Neurobehavioral Impairments of the Offspring
Authors: Ayash Taghreed A. , Vancolen Seline Y. , Segura Mariela , Allard Marie-Julie , Sebire Guillaume
Published: July 2022

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is one of the most common bacteria isolated in human chorioamnionitis. Placental infection due to GBS is a major risk factor for fetal organ injuries, preterm birth, perinatal morbidity and mortality, and life-long multiorgan morbidities. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that GBS-induced infection drives polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell infiltration within the placenta, the hallmark of human chorioamnionitis. In preclinical and clinical studies, the upregulation of interleukin(IL)-1β in the placenta and maternal/fetal blood was associated with a high risk of neurodevelopmental impairments in the progeny. We hypothesized that targeted IL-1 blockade administered to the dam alleviates GBS-induced chorioamnionitis and the downstream fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS). IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) improved the gestational weight gain of GBS-infected dams and did not worsen the infectious manifestations. IL-1Ra reduced the IL-1β titer in the maternal sera of GBS-infected dams. IL-1Ra decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1), and polymorphonuclear (PMN) infiltration in GBS-infected placenta. IL-1Ra treatment reduced the IL-1β titer in the fetal sera of GBS-exposed fetuses. IL-1 blockade also alleviated GBS-induced FIRS and subsequent neurobehavioral impairments of the offspring without worsening the outcome of GBS infection. Altogether, these results showed that IL-1 plays a key role in the physiopathology of live GBS-induced chorioamnionitis and consequent neurobehavioral impairments.
Research on the Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome Complicated With Coronary Heart Disease and Inflammatory Factors, Glycolipid Metabolism, Obesity, and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Wen Yumei , Zhang Haibin , Tang Yu , Yan Rui
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study is to explore the association between obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) complicated with coronary heart disease (CHD) and inflammatory factors, glycolipid metabolism, obesity, and insulin resistance. A total of 400 patients diagnosed with OSAHS who underwent polysomnography (PSG) monitoring in the Sleep Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Beijing Luhe Hospital from March 2015 to September 2018 were selected and divided into the OSAHS group (n = 200) and the OSAHS + CHD group (n = 200) according to disease condition. The questionnaire survey was conducted, the somatology indexes were measured, and the PSG, insulin, glycolipid metabolism parameters, and serum inflammatory factors were detected. Body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) score were all significantly increased in the OSAHS + CHD group compared with those in the OSAHS group (p < 0.05). The microarousal index (MAI), apnea hypopnea index (AHI), cumulative percentage of time spent at oxygen saturation below 90% (CT90%), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO2), total apnea time (TAT), and mean oxygen saturation (MSaO2) had statistically significant differences between the OSAHS + CHD group and the OSAHS group (p < 0.05). According to the Spearman correlation analysis of AHI, LSaO2, MSaO2, CT90%, ODI, and MAI with HOMA-IR in both groups, MAI, AHI, CT90%, and ODI were positively correlated with HOMA-IR (r > 0), while LSaO2 and MSaO2 were negatively correlated with HOMA-IR (r < 0). Compared with the OSAHS group, the OSAHS + CHD group had an obviously increased level of triglyceride (TG) (p < 0.05), and obviously increased levels of serum inflammatory factors C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (p < 0.05). The occurrence of OSAHS complicated with CHD is related to inflammatory factors, glycolipid metabolism, obesity rate, and HOMA-IR.
The Cavitation Characteristics of High Speed Centrifugal Pumps With Different Impeller Types
Authors: Chao Wen-xiong , Shi Bao-lu , Ruan Hui , Dong Wei
Published: July 2022

Addressing the cavitation prevention requirements for a longer service life of the high-speed centrifugal pump in the temperature control system of aerospace, the effect of blade inlet width on cavitation performance is studied on the premise of consistency of impeller outlet diameter D2, impeller outlet width b2, volute inlet diameter D3, pump interface and other structural parameters. Therefore, the corrected coefficient k1 of blade inlet exclusion coefficient is introduced; four groups of centrifugal impellers with inlets of different geometric structures blades are put forward. To begin with, based on the D# pump performance test and Pumplinx simulation, the cavitation performance of high-speed pump with four different groups of impellers is studied under five working conditions of negative inlet pressure (Pj=(−20, −30, −40, −50, −60)kPa) on the premise that energy characteristics agree well with cavitation performance. According to the results, when Pj drops from −50 kPa to −60 kPa, the cavitation perform changes the most significantly. This indicates that the method of twisting the centrifugal impeller of the suspended forward-extended blade shows a significant effect in preventing cavitation performance under such working conditions of high speed and negative pressure. Its application in aerospace power systems can effectively reduce the impact of low pressure in the system and significantly improve the cavitation performance.
Experimental and Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of the Flow Field of a Model Pump Turbine
Authors: Deng Yuxuan , Xu Jing , Li Yanna , Zhang Yanli , Kuang Chunyan
Published: July 2022

The pumped storage unit has a hump area and S characteristics during operation. The operating conditions of the unit are complex, and it is necessary to switch between working conditions. The unit frequently crosses the hump area and the S characteristic area, thus hindering the unit to connect to the grid. Severe vibration affects the safe and stable operation of a power station. With the joint efforts of the industry, the impact of the hump and S-shaped problems on project commissioning has been fundamentally resolved, but the mechanism of inducing hump and S-shaped problems has not yet been well established. Therefore, in this study, the particle image velocity measurement method based on a full-characteristic test was adopted. According to the operating characteristics of the unit, 32 operating points with four guide-vane opening degrees were selected to test the flow pattern in the vaneless space. After subtracting the average flow velocity, the vortex image of the leafless area was obtained, which provided a reference for the design of the runner of the water pump turbine.
Seawater Opportunities to Increase Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System Efficiency in Buildings and Urban Resilience
Authors: Schibuola Luigi , Tambani Chiara , Buggin Antonio
Published: July 2022

In coastal cities, seawater heat pumps (SWHPs) can combine heat pump technology with the availability of seawater to produce the heat and the cold necessary for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems installed in buildings. In heating mode, the seawater is used as a cold source and provides the low-temperature heat needed for the operation of the machine. In cooling mode, the seawater removes the heat dissipated by the condenser of the heat pump working for air conditioning. This seawater application seems to be very promising since the temperature trend of the seawater appears to be more favorable than the alternative use of outdoor air, both in winter and in summer. In a case study in Trieste, the performance of a district heating/cooling network supplied with seawater and based on decentralized heat pumps is investigated. For this purpose, annual dynamic simulations were performed, modeling an urban area, the heat pumps, and the network. The energy efficiency evaluation shows a clear superiority of the SWHP solution compared to boilers and airsource heat pumps and thus the possibility to provide a significant contribution to the decarbonization of buildings. Moreover, the results highlight the ability of this GWHP network to reduce the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon since the heat dissipated by the heat pumps during summer air conditioning is removed from the urban area. Therefore, SWHPs in coastal cities can be among the mitigation measures for UHI to increase outdoor comfort and heat wave resilience in urban areas.
We Must Stop Fossil Fuel Emissions to Protect Permafrost Ecosystems
Authors: Abbott Benjamin W. , Brown Michael , Carey Joanna C. , Ernakovich Jessica , Frederick Jennifer M. , Guo Laodong , Hugelius Gustaf , Lee Raymond M. , Loranty Michael M. , Macdonald Robie , Mann Paul J. , Natali Susan M. , Olefeldt David , Pearson Pam , Rec Abigail , Robards Martin , Salmon Verity G. , Sayedi Sayedeh Sara , Schädel Christina , Schuur Edward A. G. , Shakil Sarah , Shogren Arial J. , Strauss Jens , Tank Suzanne E. , Thornton Brett F. , Treharne Rachael , Turetsky Merritt , Voigt Carolina , Wright Nancy , Yang Yuanhe , Zarnetske Jay P. , Zhang Qiwen , Zolkos Scott
Published: July 2022

Climate change is an existential threat to the vast global permafrost domain. The diverse human cultures, ecological communities, and biogeochemical cycles of this tenth of the planet depend on the persistence of frozen conditions. The complexity, immensity, and remoteness of permafrost ecosystems make it difficult to grasp how quickly things are changing and what can be done about it. Here, we summarize terrestrial and marine changes in the permafrost domain with an eye toward global policy. While many questions remain, we know that continued fossil fuel burning is incompatible with the continued existence of the permafrost domain as we know it. If we fail to protect permafrost ecosystems, the consequences for human rights, biosphere integrity, and global climate will be severe. The policy implications are clear: the faster we reduce human emissions and draw down atmospheric CO2, the more of the permafrost domain we can save. Emissions reduction targets must be strengthened and accompanied by support for local peoples to protect intact ecological communities and natural carbon sinks within the permafrost domain. Some proposed geoengineering interventions such as solar shading, surface albedo modification, and vegetation manipulations are unproven and may exacerbate environmental injustice without providing lasting protection. Conversely, astounding advances in renewable energy have reopened viable pathways to halve human greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and effectively stop them well before 2050. We call on leaders, corporations, researchers, and citizens everywhere to acknowledge the global importance of the permafrost domain and work towards climate restoration and empowerment of Indigenous and immigrant communities in these regions.
Can Sci-Tech Finance Pilot Policies Reduce Carbon Emissions? Evidence From 252 Cities in China
Authors: Lu Ying , Guo Jingxian , Ahmad Mahmood , Zhang Haotian
Published: July 2022

It is widely believed that science and technology (sci-tech) finance can pave the way to combat environmental degradation by promoting innovation in environment-related technologies. However, limited research is available to support this argument, and literature is silent on how sci-tech finance pilot policies influence carbon emissions in China. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of technology and financial integration pilot policy (TFIP) on carbon emissions and its dynamic effects, heterogeneity, and mechanisms in 252 cities in China. To do this, the yearly data from 2006 to 2019 were used in the propensity score matching–difference in differences (PSM-DID) method. The results unveiled that 1) the TFIP can effectively reduce the scale and intensity of carbon emissions in pilot cities. The TFIP shows a U-shaped distribution with CO2_Size and CO2_intensity, reaching a minimum in the fifth year. The TFIP has a lagging effect on carbon emissions, which significantly reduces carbon emissions in the second year. The robustness test verifies our conclusion. 2) The heterogeneity test results show that the effect of the TFIP is heterogeneous depending on the spatial and city attributes. The TFIP can effectively reduce carbon emissions in the eastern region and resource-based cities. However, in the central, western, and non-resource–based cities, the reduction effect of the TFIP is not obvious. 3) The impact mechanism finds that the TFIP reduces the scale of carbon emissions by enhancing the green innovation capacity and rationalizing the production structure in the pilot cities. Several policy recommendations are proposed based on the findings such as vigorous development of sci-tech finance to achieve sustainable development of the economy.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Diagnosis of Monogenic Disorders Through Bayesian- and Haplotype-Based Prediction of Fetal Genotype
Authors: Li Jia , Lu Jiaqi , Su Fengxia , Yang Jiexia , Ju Jia , Lin Yu , Xu Jinjin , Qi Yiming , Hou Yaping , Wu Jing , He Wei , Yang Zhengtao , Wu Yujing , Tang Zhuangyuan , Huang Yingping , Zhang Guohong , Yang Ying , Long Zhou , Cheng Xiaofang , Liu Ping , Xia Jun , Zhang Yanyan , Wang Yicong , Chen Fang , Zhang Jianguo , Zhao Lijian , Jin Xin , Gao Ya , Yin Aihua
Published: July 2022

Background: Non-invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) can identify monogenic diseases early during pregnancy with negligible risk to fetus or mother, but the haplotyping methods involved sometimes cannot infer parental inheritance at heterozygous maternal or paternal loci or at loci for which haplotype or genome phasing data are missing. This study was performed to establish a method that can effectively recover the whole fetal genome using maternal plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and parental genomic DNA sequencing data, and validate the method’s effectiveness in noninvasively detecting single nucleotide variations (SNVs), insertions and deletions (indels).

Methods: A Bayesian model was developed to determine fetal genotypes using the plasma cfDNA and parental genomic DNA from five couples of healthy pregnancy. The Bayesian model was further integrated with a haplotype-based method to improve the inference accuracy of fetal genome and prediction outcomes of fetal genotypes. Five pregnancies with high risks of monogenic diseases were used to validate the effectiveness of this haplotype-assisted Bayesian approach for noninvasively detecting indels and pathogenic SNVs in fetus.

Results: Analysis of healthy fetuses led to the following accuracies of prediction: maternal homozygous and paternal heterozygous loci, 96.2 ± 5.8%; maternal heterozygous and paternal homozygous loci, 96.2 ± 1.4%; and maternal heterozygous and paternal heterozygous loci, 87.2 ± 4.7%. The respective accuracies of predicting insertions and deletions at these types of loci were 94.6 ± 1.9%, 80.2 ± 4.3%, and 79.3 ± 3.3%. This approach detected pathogenic single nucleotide variations and deletions with an accuracy of 87.5% in five fetuses with monogenic diseases.

Conclusions: This approach was more accurate than methods based only on Bayesian inference. Our method may pave the way to accurate and reliable NIPD.
Gene Therapy: Will the Promise of Optimizing Lung Allografts Become Reality?
Authors: Gao Qimeng , DeLaura Isabel F. , Anwar Imran J. , Kesseli Samuel J. , Kahan Riley , Abraham Nader , Asokan Aravind , Barbas Andrew S. , Hartwig Matthew G.
Published: July 2022

Lung transplantation is the definitive therapy for patients living with end-stage lung disease. Despite significant progress made in the field, graft survival remains the lowest of all solid organ transplants. Additionally, the lung has among the lowest of organ utilization rates—among eligible donors, only 22% of lungs from multi-organ donors were transplanted in 2019. Novel strategies are needed to rehabilitate marginal organs and improve graft survival. Gene therapy is one promising strategy in optimizing donor allografts. Over-expression or inhibition of specific genes can be achieved to target various pathways of graft injury, including ischemic-reperfusion injuries, humoral or cellular rejection, and chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Experiments in animal models have historically utilized adenovirus-based vectors and the majority of literature in lung transplantation has focused on overexpression of IL-10. Although several strategies were shown to prevent rejection and prolong graft survival in preclinical models, none have led to clinical translation. The past decade has seen a renaissance in the field of gene therapy and two AAV-based in vivo gene therapies are now FDA-approved for clinical use. Concurrently, normothermic ex vivo machine perfusion technology has emerged as an alternative to traditional static cold storage. This preservation method keeps organs physiologically active during storage and thus potentially offers a platform for gene therapy. This review will explore the advantages and disadvantages of various gene therapy modalities, review various candidate genes implicated in various stages of allograft injury and summarize the recent efforts in optimizing donor lungs using gene therapy.
Gut Microbiota and Immunotherapy
Authors: Xu Xiaoqing , Ying Jieer
Published: July 2022

The gut microbiota is the largest microbiota in the body, which is closely related to the immune state of the body. A number of studies have shown that gut microbiota and its metabolites are involved in host immune regulation. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have become an important drug for the treatment of many malignant tumors, which can significantly improve the prognosis of tumor patients. However, a considerable number of patients cannot benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors. At present, the known treatment methods of microbiota manipulation mainly include fecal microbiota transplantation, dietary regulation, prebiotics and so on. Therefore, this paper will discuss the possibility of improving the anti-tumor efficacy of immunotherapy from the perspectives of the gut microbiota and immunotherapy.
Evaluation of the Transverse Carpal Ligament in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by Shear Wave Elastography: A Non-Invasive Approach of Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Wu Huaiyu , Yang Keen , Chang Xin , Liu Zhaokang , Ding Zhimin , Liang Weiyu , Xu Jinfeng , Dong Fajin
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The goal of this work is to determine the clinical value of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) for guiding subsequent treatment.

Methods

This study analyzed patients who underwent median nerve (MN) ultrasound (US) examination of the wrist from April 2020 to April 2021. The cross-sectional area and anteroposterior diameter of the MN, as well as the TCL thickness and stiffness, were measured from images. The intra-group and intra-patient subgroup differences were compared using a t-test and a rank test. We also utilized receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to diagnose CTS and evaluate the severity.

Results

The final cohort consisted of 120 wrists (bilateral) from 60 samples, evenly balanced across the patient and control groups according to their CTS diagnosis. In the unilateral positive patient subgroup, the MN and TCL of the positive hand were significantly thicker and stiffer than the negative counterparts (both, p < 0.05). The values from the right were also thicker and stiffer than the left (both, p < 0.05) in patients with bilateral CTS. The MN and TCL of the patient group were also significantly thicker and stiffer than those of the control group (both, p < 0.001). For diagnosing CTS, the area under the curve (AUC) of TCL thickness and stiffness at the distal carpal tunnel (DCT) ranged between 0.925 and 0.967. For evaluating CTS severity, we found that the optimal TCL stiffness is sufficient for diagnosing mild and non-mild patient cases (AUC: Emean = 0.757, Emax = 0.779).

Conclusions

Shear wave elastography is therefore an effective method for CTS diagnosis and management.
Impact of Early Childhood Malnutrition on Adult Brain Function: An Evoked-Related Potentials Study
Authors: Roger Kassandra , Vannasing Phetsamone , Tremblay Julie , Bringas Vega Maria L. , Bryce Cyralene P. , Rabinowitz Arielle G. , Valdés-Sosa Pedro A. , Galler Janina R. , Gallagher Anne
Published: July 2022

More than 200 million children under the age of 5 years are affected by malnutrition worldwide according to the World Health Organization. The Barbados Nutrition Study (BNS) is a 55-year longitudinal study on a Barbadian cohort with histories of moderate to severe protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) limited to the first year of life and a healthy comparison group. Using quantitative electroencephalography (EEG), differences in brain function duringchildhood(lower alpha1 activity and higher theta, alpha2 and beta activity) have previously been highlighted between participants who suffered from early PEM and controls. In order to determine whether similar differences persisted intoadulthood, our current study used recordings obtained during a Go-No-Go task in a subsample of the original BNS cohort [population size (N) = 53] at ages 45–51 years. We found that previously malnourished adults [sample size (n) = 24] had a higher rate of omission errors on the task relative to controls (n= 29). Evoked-Related Potentials (ERP) were significantly different in participants with histories of early PEM, who presented with lower N2 amplitudes. These findings are typically associated with impaired conflict monitoring and/or attention deficits and may therefore be linked to the attentional and executive function deficits that have been previously reported in this cohort in childhood and again in middle adulthood.
Mobile Smartphone-Based Digital Pupillometry Curves in the Diagnosis of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: McGrath Lynn B. , Eaton Jessica , Abecassis Isaac Joshua , Maxin Anthony , Kelly Cory , Chesnut Randall M. , Levitt Michael R.
Published: July 2022

Objective

The pupillary light reflex (PLR) and the pupillary diameter over time (the PLR curve) is an important biomarker of neurological disease, especially in the diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI). We investigated whether PLR curves generated by a novel smartphone pupillometer application could be easily and accurately interpreted to aid in the diagnosis of TBI.

Methods

A total of 120 PLR curves from 42 healthy subjects and six patients with TBI were generated by PupilScreen. Eleven clinician raters, including one group of physicians and one group of neurocritical care nurses, classified 48 randomly selected normal and abnormal PLR curves without prior training or instruction. Rater accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and interrater reliability were calculated.

Results

Clinician raters demonstrated 93% accuracy, 94% sensitivity, 92% specificity, 92% positive predictive value, and 93% negative predictive value in identifying normal and abnormal PLR curves. There was high within-group reliability (k = 0.85) and high interrater reliability (K = 0.75).

Conclusion

The PupilScreen smartphone application-based pupillometer produced PLR curves for clinical provider interpretation that led to accurate classification of normal and abnormal PLR data. Interrater reliability was greater than previous studies of manual pupillometry. This technology may be a good alternative to the use of subjective manual penlight pupillometry or digital pupillometry.
Optimal Learning Samples for Two-Constant Kubelka-Munk Theory to Match the Color of Pre-colored Fiber Blends
Authors: Li Junfeng , Xie Dehong , Li Miaoxin , Liu Shiwei , Wei Chun’Ao
Published: July 2022

Due to the dyeing process, learning samples used for color prediction of pre-colored fiber blends should be re-prepared once the batches of the fiber change. The preparation of the sample is time-consuming and leads to manpower and material waste. The two-constant Kubelka-Munk theory is selected in this article to investigate the feasibility to minimize and optimize the learning samples for the theory since it has the highest prediction accuracy and moderate learning sample size requirement among all the color prediction models. Results show that two samples, namely, a masstone obtained by 100% pre-colored fiber and a tint mixed by 40% pre-colored fiber and 60% white fiber, are enough to determine the absorption and scattering coefficients of a pre-colored fiber. In addition, the optimal sample for the single-constant Kubelka-Munk theory is also explored.
Expression Profile of Immunoglobulin G Glycosylation in Children With Epilepsy in Han Nationality
Authors: Li Yuejin , Shi Fengxue , Wang Guanglei , Lv Jian , Zhang Haitao , Jin Hao , Chen Xueyu , Wang Meng , Li Peirui , Ji Long
Published: July 2022

Background

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease that recurs during childhood, and more than half of adult epilepsy originates from childhood. Studies suggested that immunoglobulin G (IgG) glycosylation are closely related to neurological diseases. Here we analyzed the characteristics of the immunoglobulin glycosylation profile of children with epilepsy.

Methods

Patients were recruited in Taian, Shandong Province from December 2019 to March 2020. Serum IgG glycome composition was analyzed by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography approach.

Results

The proportion of fucosylated glycans in total IgG glycans was 93.72% in the epilepsy patients, which was significantly lower than that in the control group (94.94%). A lower level of total monogalactosylated and digalactosylated glycans were observed in the epilepsy patients group (30.76 and 40.14%) than that in the controls (36.17 and 42.69%). There was no significant difference between the two groups in bisected GlcNAc glycans and sialylated glycans.

Conclusion

The decrease of core fucosylation and galactosylation may promote the inflammatory reaction of the body and participate in the occurrence of epilepsy in children.
Misleading Robot Signals in a Classification Task Induce Cognitive Load as Measured by Theta Synchronization Between Frontal and Temporo-parietal Brain Regions
Authors: Abubshait Abdulaziz , Parenti Lorenzo , Perez-Osorio Jairo , Wykowska Agnieszka
Published: July 2022

As technological advances progress, we find ourselves in situations where we need to collaborate with artificial agents (e.g., robots, autonomous machines and virtual agents). For example, autonomous machines will be part of search and rescue missions, space exploration and decision aids during monitoring tasks (e.g., baggage-screening at the airport). Efficient communication in these scenarios would be crucial to interact fluently. While studies examined the positive and engaging effect of social signals (i.e., gaze communication) on human-robot interaction, little is known about the effects of conflicting robot signals on the human actor's cognitive load. Moreover, it is unclear from a social neuroergonomics perspective how different brain regions synchronize or communicate with one another to deal with the cognitive load induced by conflicting signals in social situations with robots. The present study asked if neural oscillations that correlate with conflict processing are observed between brain regions when participants view conflicting robot signals. Participants classified different objects based on their color after a robot (i.e., iCub), presented on a screen, simulated handing over the object to them. The robot proceeded to cue participants (with a head shift) to the correct or incorrect target location. Since prior work has shown that unexpected cues can interfere with oculomotor planning and induces conflict, we expected that conflicting robot social signals which would interfere with the execution of actions. Indeed, we found that conflicting social signals elicited neural correlates of cognitive conflict as measured by mid-brain theta oscillations. More importantly, we found higher coherence values between mid-frontal electrode locations and posterior occipital electrode locations in the theta-frequency band for incongruent vs. congruent cues, which suggests that theta-band synchronization between these two regions allows for communication between cognitive control systems and gaze-related attentional mechanisms. We also find correlations between coherence values and behavioral performance (Reaction Times), which are moderated by the congruency of the robot signal. In sum, the influence of irrelevant social signals during goal-oriented tasks can be indexed by behavioral, neural oscillation and brain connectivity patterns. These data provide insights about a new measure for cognitive load, which can also be used in predicting human interaction with autonomous machines.
Association of Underweight and Weight Loss With Poor Prognosis and Poor Therapy Effectiveness in Brain Metastases: A Retrospective Study
Authors: He Yan , Zhang Yu , Chong Weelic , Pei Yiyan , Zhang Renjie , Liu Zheran , Yu Jiayi , Peng Xingchen , Fang Fang
Published: July 2022

Background

The prognostic role of body mass index (BMI) in patients with brain metastases is controversial. We aim to investigate the impact of BMI on prognosis and anti-cancer therapy effectiveness in brain metastases.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with brain metastases between Oct 2010 and July 2019 were followed for mortality through April 2021. The prognostic role of BMI on overall survival was assessed by a restricted cubic spline (RCS) using a flexible model to visualize the relationship between the BMI values and hazard ratios of all-cause mortality, followed by a cox regression model. The disparity of survival outcomes in patients receiving anti-cancer therapies or those did not was evaluated according to the classification of BMI.

Results

A total of 2,466 patients were included in the analysis, including 241 in the underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) group, 1,503 in the normal weight group (BMI 18.5–23.9 kg/m2), and 722 in the overweight (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2) group. Relative to the normal weight group, underweight patients were associated with poor prognosis (adjusted HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.07–1.46, p = 0.005). However, those in the overweight group showed similar overall survival when compared to the normal-weight group. Patients with weight loss were associated with a higher risk of mortality compared with patients without significant weight loss. In underweight patients, there was an insignificant difference in survival outcomes whether they received anti-cancer therapies or not.

Conclusion

Underweight and significant weight loss were associated with poor prognosis in brain metastases. Meanwhile, anti-cancer therapies did not significantly improve overall survival in patients with underweight. These findings suggest that improving nutrition to maintain body weight is critical for patients with brain metastases.
An Immunity-Related Gene Model Predicts Prognosis in Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Guo Han , Qian Yihan , Yu Yeping , Bi Yuting , Jiao Junzhe , Jiang Haocheng , Yu Chang , Wu Hailong , Shi Yanjun , Kong Xiaoni
Published: July 2022

The prognosis of patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is closely related to both immune cell infiltration and mRNA expression. Therefore, we aimed at conducting multi-immune-related gene analyses to improve the prediction of CCA recurrence. Immune-related genes were selected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and the Immunology Database and Analysis Portal (ImmPort). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model was used to establish the multi-gene model that was significantly correlated with the recurrence-free survival (RFS) in two test series. Furthermore, compared with single genes, clinical characteristics, tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE), and tumor inflammation signature (TIS), the 8-immune-related differentially expressed genes (8-IRDEGs) signature had a better prediction value. Moreover, the high-risk subgroup had a lower density of B-cell, plasma, B-cell naïve, CD8+ T-cell, CD8+ T-cell naïve, and CD8+ T-cell memory infiltration, as well as more severe immunosuppression and higher mutation counts. In conclusion, the 8-IRDEGs signature was a promising biomarker for distinguishing the prognosis and the molecular and immune features of CCA, and could be beneficial to the individualized immunotherapy for CCA patients.
Glutathione S-Transferase Alpha 4 Promotes Proliferation and Chemoresistance in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhang Zhanhu , Xu Lili , Huang Lin , Li Tianqi , Wang Jane Y. , Ma Chunhua , Bian Xiaoyun , Ren Xiaoyan , Li Haibo , Wang Xingmin
Published: July 2022

Glutathione S-transferase alpha 4 (GSTA4) is a phase II detoxifying enzyme that is overexpressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) and regulated by the oncogenic transcription factor AP-1. However, the role of GSTA4 in these CRC cells remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the roles of GSTA4 in the CRC cells by inactivating GSTA4 in HCT116 human CRC cells (Defined as HCT116ΔGSTA4) using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Cell proliferation, clonogenicity, and susceptibility to chemotherapeutic drugs were analyzed in vitro and in a xenograft model. The results showed that loss of GSTA4 significantly decreased cell proliferation and clonogenicity, whereas it increased intracellular reactive oxygen species and cell susceptibility to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and oxaliplatin. Additionally, exposure of HCT116ΔGSTA4 cells to 5-FU increased the expression of γH2AX, a hallmark of double-stranded DNA breaks. In contrast, no remarkably increased γH2AX was noted in oxaliplatin-treated HCT116ΔGSTA4 cells compared with HCT116 cells. Moreover, loss of GSTA4 blocked the AKT and p38 MAPK pathways, leading to proliferative suppression. Finally, the xenograft model showed decreased tumor size for HCT116ΔGSTA4 cells compared with HCT116 cells, confirming in vitro findings. These findings suggest that GSTA4 is capable of promoting proliferation, tumorigenesis, and chemoresistance and is a potential target for CRC therapy.
A Novel Prognostic Nomogram for Predicting Survival of Hormone Receptor-Positive and HER2 Negative Advanced Breast Cancer Among the Han-Population
Authors: Zhu Yimin , Wang Jiayu , Xu Binghe
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To develop a nomogram model to predict overall survival in HR+/HER2- subtype advanced breast cancer.

Methods

A total of 3,577 ABC (advanced breast cancer) patients from 21 hospitals in China were involved in this study from January 2012 to December 2014. From all ABC patients, 1,671 HR+/HER2- ABC patients were extracted and enrolled in our study. A nomogram was built based on univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses, identifying independent predictors. The discriminatory and predictive capacities of the nomogram were assessed using the ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve and calibration plots.

Results

Univariable and multivariable analysis found that ER (estrogen receptor) status, MFIs (metastatic-free intervals), first-line therapy options, the number of metastatic sites, and whether local therapy for metastatic sites was chosen, were significantly related to overall survival (all P < 0.05). These variables were incorporated into a nomogram to predict the 2- year, 3-year, and 5-year OS (overall survival) of ABC patients. The AUC (the area under the curve) of the nomogram was 0.748 (95% CI (confidence interval):0.693-0.804) for 5-year OS in the training cohort and 0.732 (95% CI: 0.676-0.789) for the validation cohort. The calibration curves revealed good consistency between actual survival and nomogram prediction in the training and validation cohorts. Additionally, the nomogram showed an excellent ability to stratify patients into different risk cohorts.

Conclusion

We established a nomogram that provided a more straightforward predictive model for the outcome of HR+/HER2- ABC subtype patients and, to some extent, assisted physicians in making the personalized therapeutic option.
Diagnostic Performance of LI-RADS Version 2018 for Primary Liver Cancer in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis on Enhanced MRI
Authors: Liu Xinai , Ni Xiaoyan , Li Yubo , Yang Chun , Wang Yi , Ma Chunzheng , Zhou Changwu , Lu Xin
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The study evaluated the diagnostic performance of the Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) version 2018 for differentiating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from primary liver cancer in patients with liver cirrhosis based on the updated 2019 WHO classification.

Materials and Methods

From 2016 to 2021, 300 patients with surgically confirmed primary liver cancer (PLC) and liver cirrhosis based on the updated 2019 WHO classification were eligible for this retrospective study (100 cases in each of three groups including HCC, ICC, and cHCC-CCA). Two radiologists were blinded to the final diagnosis and independently assigned an LI-RADS category to each liver nodule. The diagnostic performances of the LR-5 category (definitely HCC), and the LR-M category (probably or definitely malignant, but not specific for HCC) were calculated in overall and small observations (<20 mm). Comparisons between groups of categorical variables were performed by one-way analysis of variance and the Chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test.

Results

The mean age of 300 patients (226 men and 74 women) was 57.40 ± 11.05 years. The sensitivity and specificity of the LR-5 category for differentiating HCCs from other primary liver cancers were 81% (81 of 100) and 82% (164 of 200), respectively. The LR-M category had a sensitivity of 63% (126 of 200) for diagnosing non-HCCs (ICCs and cHCC-CCAs), with a specificity of 90% (90 of 100). The LR-5 category had a sensitivity of 82.5% (33 of 40) for diagnosing HCCs in small observations (<20 mm) with a specificity of 76.6% (59 of 77). On the contrary, LR-M demonstrated slightly higher specificity (93.8%) and sensitivity (73.8%) for diagnosing non-HCCs with tumor size <20 mm.

Conclusion

The LR-5 category as well as the LR-M category of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) version 2018 can effectively distinguish hepatocellular carcinoma from other primary hepatic malignancies in patients with liver cirrhosis, especially for small observations (<20 mm).
Case Report of Congenital Hepatoblastoma With the Onset at 30-Weeks' Gestation
Authors: Yan Zheng , Bai Wei , Li Li , Li Shuo , Hua Ying , Zhang Xiao-xiao , Hou Xin-lin
Published: July 2022

This study reports a case of hepatoblastoma with onset at 30-weeks' gestation and rapid growth rate. The postnatal enhanced CT confirmed an intrahepatic mass with a size of 8.5 cm × 6.6 cm and a clear boundary accompanied by uneven enhancement, displacement, and narrow lumen of the hepatic vein due to compression. The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) at birth was 1,002,632 ng/ml (normal level 48,406 [±34,718] ng/ml). A diagnosis of congenital hepatoblastoma was established based on the imaging and laboratory outcomes. The infant received chemotherapy of Cisplatin-5 fluorouracil-Vincristine (C5V) on the fourth day after birth. After four courses of C5V, a complete tumor resection was performed, and the postoperative pathology was consistent with mixed epithelial and mesenchymal hepatoblastoma. Four more courses of C5V and one course of C5VD (C5V plus doxorubicin) followed the surgery. Infectious diarrhea and acute kidney injury (stage I) occurred during chemotherapy, which recovered after anti-infection and symptomatic treatment. The patient is currently 2 years old and still in complete remission. In this case, the onset of hepatoblastoma was early, and the tumor grew rapidly, resulting in an obvious compression effect. Chemotherapy was started early after birth, and the curative effect was satisfactory, suggesting that the hepatoblastoma based on clinical diagnosis with rapid tumor progression and severe dysfunction of surrounding organs caused by compression should undergo chemotherapy as soon as possible if a pathological diagnosis cannot be obtained temporarily, which also plays an important role in improving the complete resection rate of intraoperative tumor and reducing the recurrence rate of postoperative tumor.
Use of Prostaglandin E1 in the Management of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia–A Review
Authors: Hari Gopal Srirupa , Patel Neil , Fernandes Caraciolo J.
Published: July 2022

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare congenital anomaly, whose presentation is complicated by pulmonary hypertension (PH), pulmonary hypoplasia, and myocardial dysfunction, each of which have significant impact on short-term clinical management and long-term outcomes. Despite many advances in therapy and surgical technique, optimal CDH management remains a topic of debate, due to the variable presentation, complex pathophysiology, and continued impact on morbidity and mortality. One of the more recent management strategies is the use of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) infusion in the management of PH associated with CDH. PGE1 is widely used in the NICU in critical congenital cardiac disease to maintain ductal patency and facilitate pulmonary and systemic blood flow. In a related paradigm, PGE1 infusion has been used in situations of supra-systemic right ventricular pressures, including CDH, with the therapeutic intent to maintain ductal patency as a “pressure relief valve” to reduce the effective afterload on the right ventricle (RV), optimize cardiac function and support pulmonary and systemic blood flow. This paper reviews the current evidence for use of PGE1 in the CDH population and the opportunities for future investigations.
Hepatoprotective Efficacy and Interventional Mechanism of Qijia Rougan Decoction in Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Chen Xiao-Feng , Wang Yumei , Ji Shaoxiu , Sun Xin , Feng Quansheng , Yu Han , Liu Chao
Published: July 2022

Liver fibrosis is a leading contributor to chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, which pose a serious health threat worldwide, and there are no effective drugs to treat it. Qijia Rougan decoction was modified from Sanjiasan, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) described in the “Wenyilun” manuscript. Qijia Rougan decoction possesses hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects for clinical applications. However, its underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, fibrotic rats induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) were treated with two doses of Qijia Rougan decoction. Histopathological and serum biochemical analyses were carried out to assess liver structure and function, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) was performed to identify bioactive compositions in Qijia Rougan decoction. Transcriptome analysis using mRNA-sequencing (mRNA-Seq) was used to explore the underlying mechanisms and verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. Qijia Rougan decoction significantly attenuated CCl4-induced hepatic fibrotic injury, supported by promoted liver function and improved liver fibrosis. Eight main representative components originating from raw materials in the Qijia Rougan decoction were found to possess an antifibrotic role. Mechanistically, Qijia Rougan decoction regulated biological processes such as oxidation–reduction, fatty acid metabolism, cell adhesion, and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling. We determined that Qijia Rougan decoction reversed the expression of inflammatory cytokines and inhibited the activation of fibrosis-related TGFβ signaling. It also reversed the deterioration of liver structure and function in rats induced by CCl4. Overall, Qijia Rougan decoction significantly mediated metabolism-associated processes, inhibited inflammatory reactions, and repressed fibrosis-related TGFβ signaling, which prevented liver fibrosis deterioration. Our study deepens our understanding of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of liver fibrosis.
Entropy Optimization and Thermal Behavior of a Porous System With Considering Hybrid Nanofluid
Authors: Shah Zahir , Ullah Asad , Musa Awad , Vrinceanu Narcisa , Ferrandiz Bou Santiago , Iqbal Shahid , Deebani Wejdan
Published: July 2022

The aim of this research work is to study the performance of hybrid eclectically conducting nanofluid (MWCNT-Fe3O4) with entropy optimization impacts using the CVFEM approach. 3D and contour plots are two types of outcomes that extend the discrepancy of analyzed variables. The Newtonian liquid is presumed as a testing fluid, and the non-Darcy model is employed to simulate the permeable domain. The geometry has two adiabatic walls and one wavy hot wall with unvarying flux, and the other is kept at a constant temperature. The impact of Brownian motion in the hybrid nanofluid (MWCNT-Fe3O4) is considered. The irreversibility effect is also taken into account. This effect acts against the performance of the system and reduces the efficiency of the system. To solve the final equations with higher accuracy, we utilized the method of CVFEM. The validation of the results obtained through CVFEM is clearly and graphically presented with the available literature. The outputs of the simulation showed that there is an inverse relation between permeability and the Bejan Number, and the boundary layer thickness augments with intensification in Lorentz force. These variations in the form of streamline, isotherm, and various contour plots have been reported at Ra=103 and Ra=105 for different values of Da, Ha, and ϕ.
Identification of Chemosensory Genes, Including Candidate Pheromone Receptors, in Phauda flammans (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Phaudidae) Through Transcriptomic Analyses
Authors: Hu Jin , Wang Xiao-Yun , Tan Liu-Su , Lu Wen , Zheng Xia-Lin
Published: July 2022

Olfactory and gustatory systems play an irreplaceable role in all cycles of growth of insects, such as host location, mating, and oviposition. Many chemosensory genes in many nocturnal moths have been identified via omics technology, but knowledge of these genes in diurnal moths is lacking. In our recent studies, we reported two sex pheromone compounds and three host plant volatiles that play a vital role in attracting the diurnal moth, Phauda flammans. The antennal full-length transcriptome sequence of P. flammans was obtained using the Pacbio sequencing to further explore the process of sex pheromone and host plant volatile recognition in P. flammans. Transcriptome analysis identified 166 candidate olfactory and gustatory genes, including 58 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), 19 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 59 olfactory receptors (ORs), 16 ionotropic receptors (IRs), 14 gustatory receptors (GRs), and 2 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs). Subsequently, a phylogenetic tree was established using P. flammans and other lepidopteran species to investigate orthologs. Among the 17 candidate pheromone receptor (PR) genes, the expression levels of PflaOR21, PflaOR25, PflaOR35, PflaOR40, PflaOR41, PflaOR42, PflaOR44, PflaOR49, PflaOR51, PflaOR61, and PflaOR63 in the antennae were significantly higher than those in other non-antennae tissues. Among these PR genes, PflaOR21, PflaOR27, PflaOR29, PflaOR35, PflaOR37, PflaOR40, PflaOR42, PflaOR44, PflaOR60, and PflaOR62 showed male-biased expression, whereas PflaOR49, PflaOR61, and PflaOR63 revealed female-biased expression. The functions of related OR genes were also discussed. This research filled the gap of the chemosensory genes of P. flammans and provided basic data for future functional molecular mechanisms studies on P. flammans olfaction.