bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benthic species patterns in and around the Cape Canyon: A large submarine canyon off the western passive margin of South Africa
Authors: Filander Zoleka , Smith Adam N. H. , Cawthra Hayley C. , Lamont Tarron
Published: November 2022

Although submarine canyons are internationally recognized as sensitive ecosystems and reported to be biological hotspots, regional studies are required to validate this consensus. To this end, hydrographic and benthic biodiversity data were collected during three cruises (2016-2017) to provide insights on the benthic patterns within South African canyon and non-canyon offshore areas. A total of 25 stations, sampled at 200-1000 m depth range, form the basis of the multivariate analysis. Diversity gradients were calculated and then differences were compared across substrate types and depth zones represented within 12 canyon and 13 non-canyon stations. Significant differences in both substrate and depth were evident, despite measures being highly variable. This observation of varying diversity in different substrates is in line with previous studies. No clear pattern was observed for species diversity (delta+). However, non-canyon stations overall showed a higher diversity in comparison to canyon stations. A notable peak in diversity is observed in canyon areas in the 401-500 m depth zone. Species richness followed an opposing pattern, as it decreased with depth and was consistently higher in canyon areas. These results align with the well-defined influence of depth-related variables on the distribution of taxonomic groups and the substrate available, at various scales. The eutrophic characteristic of the Benguela region may have attributed to the insignificant diversity differences between canyon and non-canyon stations. To assess the benthic species structure in canyon and non-canyon areas, we converted the 108 benthic species into a gamma+ matrix. We then modelled the biological response to predictor variables (substrate and depth). Although the canyon and non-canyon areas have an overlapping species composition, the main effects (canyon vs. non-canyon, depth, and substrate) showed significant differences. Thirteen species were characteristic of canyon areas, whilst only three distinguished non-canyon areas. The region has a long history of anthropogenic activities, so the observed benthic profiles may already be altered. The current study therefore provides the first detailed taxonomic description and analysis of benthic species profiles in the Cape Canyon, and advances important baseline information necessary for understanding the ecological importance of the Cape Canyon.
Interoperable vocabulary for marine microbial flow cytometry
Authors: Thyssen Melilotus , Grégori Gérald , Créach Véronique , Lahbib Soumaya , Dugenne Mathilde , Aardema Hedy M. , Artigas Luis-Felipe , Huang Bangqin , Barani Aude , Beaugeard Laureen , Bellaaj-Zouari Amel , Beran Alfred , Casotti Raffaella , Del Amo Yolanda , Denis Michel , Dubelaar George B.J. , Endres Sonja , Haraguchi Lumi , Karlson Bengt , Lambert Christophe , Louchart Arnaud , Marie Dominique , Moncoiffé Gwenaëlle , Pecqueur David , Ribalet François , Rijkeboer Machteld , Silovic Tina , Silva Ricardo , Marro Sophie , Sosik Heidi M. , Sourisseau Marc , Tarran Glen , Van Oostende Nicolas , Zhao Li , Zheng Shan
Published: November 2022

The recent development of biological sensors has extended marine plankton studies from conducting laboratory bench work to in vivo and real-time observations. Flow cytometry (FCM) has shed new light on marine microorganisms since the 1980s through its single-cell approach and robust detection of the smallest cells. FCM records valuable optical properties of light scattering and fluorescence from cells passing in a single file in front of a narrow-collimated light source, recording tens of thousands of cells within a few minutes. Depending on the instrument settings, the sampling strategy, and the automation level, it resolves the spatial and temporal distribution of microbial marine prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Cells are usually classified and grouped on cytograms by experts and are still lacking standards, reducing data sharing capacities. Therefore, the need to make FCM data sets FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability of digital assets) is becoming critical. In this paper, we present a consensus vocabulary for the 13 most common marine microbial groups observed with FCM using blue and red-light excitation. The authors designed a common layout on two-dimensional log-transformed cytograms reinforced by a decision tree that facilitates the characterization of groups. The proposed vocabulary aims at standardising data analysis and definitions, to promote harmonisation and comparison of data between users and instruments. This represents a much-needed step towards FAIRification of flow cytometric data collected in various marine environments.
Inter and intra-observer agreement of arterial wall contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in giant cell arteritis
Authors: Espitia Olivier , Robin Olivier , Hersant Jeanne , Roncato Christophe , Théry Arthur , Vibet Marie-Anne , Gautier Giovanni , Raimbeau Alizée , Lapébie François-Xavier
Published: November 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze inter- and intra-observer agreement for contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) for monitoring disease activity in Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) in the wall of axillary arteries, and common carotid arteries.

Methods

Giant cell arteritis patients have CEUS of axillary arteries and common carotid. These images were rated by seven vascular medicine physicians from four hospitals who were experienced in duplex ultrasonography of GCA patients. Two weeks later, observers again rated the same images. GCA patients were recruited in from December 2019 to February 2021. An analysis of the contrast of the ultrasound images with a gradation in three classes (grade 0, 1, and 2) was performed. Grade 0 corresponds to no contrast, grade 1 to moderate wall contrast and grade 2 to intense contrast. A new analysis in 2 classes: positive or negative wall contrast; was then performed on new series of images.

Results

Sixty arterial segments were evaluated in 30 patients. For the three-class scale, intra-rater agreement was substantial: κ 0.70; inter-rater agreement was fair: κ from 0.22 to 0.27. Thirty-four videos had a wall thickness of less than 2 mm and 26 videos had a wall thickness greater than 2 mm. For walls with a thickness lower than 2 mm: intra-rater agreement was substantial: κ 0.69; inter-rater agreement was fair: κ 0.35. For walls with a thickness of 2 mm or more: intra-rater agreement was substantial: κ 0.53; inter-rater agreement was fair: κ 0.25. For analysis of parietal contrast uptake in two classes: inter-rater agreement was fair to moderate: κ from 0.35 to 0.41; and for walls with a thickness of 2 mm or more: inter-rater agreement was fair to substantial κ from 0.22 to 0.63.

Conclusion

The visual analysis of contrast uptake in the wall of the axillary and common carotid arteries showed good intra-rater agreement in GCA patients. The inter-rater agreement was low, especially when contrast was analyzed in three classes. The inter-rater agreement for the analysis in two classes was also low. The inter-rater agreement was higher in two-class analysis for walls of 2 mm thickness or more.
Land use differentially affects fungal communities and network complexity in northeast China
Authors: Xu Yanxia , Yang Zhao , Wang Xiaolong , Chai Hua , Li Shasha , Wu Yue , Wang Ruoding
Published: November 2022

Background

The soil fungal community is one of the most important drivers of the soil nutrient cycling that sustains plant growth. However, little research has been done on the effects of different land uses on soil fungal communities in northeast China.

Methods

In this study, we conducted a field experiment to investigate the effects of continuous cropping of grass, maize, and alfalfa on their respective fungal communities and co-occurrence networks.

Results

We showed that the physicochemical properties of the soil, such as nitrate (NO3-N), available phosphorus, and soil pH, were the most important driving factors affecting the structure of the soil fungal community in different cropping systems. In addition, compared to the cultivation of grass and maize, the continuous cropping of alfalfa increased the abundance of several beneficial as well as pathogenic species, such as Mortierella and Gaiellales. In addition, the networks differed among plant species and according to the number of years of continuous cultivation.

Conclusion

This suggests that the continuous cropping of alfalfa results in greater cooperation among fungi, which may be beneficial to the soil as well as to the development of the alfalfa.
A multi-omics study to characterize the transdifferentiation of human dermal fibroblasts to osteoblast-like cells
Authors: Pihlström Sandra , Määttä Kirsi , Öhman Tiina , Mäkitie Riikka E. , Aronen Mira , Varjosalo Markku , Mäkitie Outi , Pekkinen Minna
Published: November 2022

Graphical Abstract

In this study, we developed an in vitro technique to transdifferentiate human dermal fibroblasts into osteoblast-like cells. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, the true progenitors of osteoblasts, were utilized as reference cell lines. We characterized the osteoblastic differentiation in the two cell types using transcriptomics and quantitative MS-based proteomics and phosphoproteomics. The osteoblastic-like phenotype was confirmed in both cell types by positive alkaline phosphatase and mineralization staining methods. In addition, both cell types showed altered gene and protein profiles in compliance with an osteoblastic differentiation.
Combining Max pooling-Laplacian theory and k-means clustering for novel camouflage pattern design
Authors: Wan Minhao , Zhao Dehui , Zhao Baogui
Published: November 2022

Camouflage is the main means of anti-optical reconnaissance, and camouflage pattern design is an extremely important step in camouflage. Many scholars have proposed many methods for generating camouflage patterns. k-means algorithm can solve the problem of generating camouflage patterns quickly and accurately, but k-means algorithm is prone to inaccurate convergence results when dealing with large data images leading to poor camouflage effects of the generated camouflage patterns. In this paper, we improve the k-means clustering algorithm based on the maximum pooling theory and Laplace's algorithm, and design a new camouflage pattern generation method independently. First, applying the maximum pooling theory combined with discrete Laplace differential operator, the maximum pooling-Laplace algorithm is proposed to compress and enhance the target background to improve the accuracy and speed of camouflage pattern generation; combined with the k-means clustering principle, the background pixel primitives are processed to iteratively calculate the sample data to obtain the camouflage pattern mixed with the background. Using color similarity and shape similarity for evaluation, the results show that the combination of maximum pooling theory with Laplace algorithm and k-means algorithm can effectively solve the problem of inaccurate results of k-means algorithm in processing large data images. The new camouflage pattern generation method realizes the design of camouflage patterns for different backgrounds and achieves good results. In order to verify the practical application value of the design method, this paper produced test pieces based on the designed camouflage pattern generation method and tested the camouflage effect of camouflage pattern in sunny and cloudy days respectively, and the final test results were good.
Neuronal and behavioral affective perceptions of human and naturalness-reduced emotional prosodies
Authors: Duville Mathilde Marie , Alonso-Valerdi Luz María , Ibarra-Zarate David I.
Published: November 2022

Artificial voices are nowadays embedded into our daily lives with latest neural voices approaching human voice consistency (naturalness). Nevertheless, behavioral, and neuronal correlates of the perception of less naturalistic emotional prosodies are still misunderstood. In this study, we explored the acoustic tendencies that define naturalness from human to synthesized voices. Then, we created naturalness-reduced emotional utterances by acoustic editions of human voices. Finally, we used Event-Related Potentials (ERP) to assess the time dynamics of emotional integration when listening to both human and synthesized voices in a healthy adult sample. Additionally, listeners rated their perceptions for valence, arousal, discrete emotions, naturalness, and intelligibility. Synthesized voices were characterized by less lexical stress (i.e., reduced difference between stressed and unstressed syllables within words) as regards duration and median pitch modulations. Besides, spectral content was attenuated toward lower F2 and F3 frequencies and lower intensities for harmonics 1 and 4. Both psychometric and neuronal correlates were sensitive to naturalness reduction. (1) Naturalness and intelligibility ratings dropped with emotional utterances synthetization, (2) Discrete emotion recognition was impaired as naturalness declined, consistent with P200 and Late Positive Potentials (LPP) being less sensitive to emotional differentiation at lower naturalness, and (3) Relative P200 and LPP amplitudes between prosodies were modulated by synthetization. Nevertheless, (4) Valence and arousal perceptions were preserved at lower naturalness, (5) Valence (arousal) ratings correlated negatively (positively) with Higuchi’s fractal dimension extracted on neuronal data under all naturalness perturbations, (6) Inter-Trial Phase Coherence (ITPC) and standard deviation measurements revealed high inter-individual heterogeneity for emotion perception that is still preserved as naturalness reduces. Notably, partial between-participant synchrony (low ITPC), along with high amplitude dispersion on ERPs at both early and late stages emphasized miscellaneous emotional responses among subjects. In this study, we highlighted for the first time both behavioral and neuronal basis of emotional perception under acoustic naturalness alterations. Partial dependencies between ecological relevance and emotion understanding outlined the modulation but not the annihilation of emotional integration by synthetization.
Use of peripheral electrical stimulation on healthy individual and patients after stroke and its effects on the somatosensory evoked potentials. A systematic review
Authors: Mijic Marko , Jung Andres , Schoser Benedikt , Young Peter
Published: November 2022

Introduction

To date, a few studies have used somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) to demonstrate cortical sensory changes among healthy subjects or to estimate cortical plasticity and rehabilitation prognosis in stroke patients after peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) intervention. The primary aim was to systematically review whether PES has a role in changing latencies and amplitudes of SEPs in healthy subjects and stroke patients. Moreover, we searched for a correlation between sensory and motor function assessments and changes in SEP components of included studies.

Methods

The following databases were searched: Pubmed/MEDLINE, Scopus/ScienceDirect, Web of Science/Clarivate, Cochrane Library, The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), andClinicalTrials.gov. Titles and abstracts, as well as full-text reports, were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers according to a priori defined eligibility criteria. There were no study limitations concerning the treatment of the upper limb, lower limb, or torso with PES.

Results

The final systematic search resulted in 11,344 records, however only 10 were evaluated. We could not find enough evidence to confirm use of SEP as a predictor to estimate the rehabilitation prognosis after stroke. However, we found a correlation between different sensory and motor function assessments and changes in SEP components. The stroke studies involving PES that initiate a voluntary contraction used for a specific movement or task indicate a positive relationship and correlation to assessments of motor function. It could be indicated that PES have a predictive impact of sensory reorganization, as mirrored by the change in SEP amplitude and latency. However, it is not possible to verify the degree of connectivity between SEP and cortical plasticity. To confirm this hypothesis, we propose the conduction of randomized controlled trials in healthy volunteers and stroke patients.

Systematic review registration

https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/U7PSY.
Control-theoretic integration of stimulation and electrophysiology for cognitive enhancement
Authors: Singh Matthew F. , Cole Michael W. , Braver Todd S. , Ching ShiNung
Published: November 2022

Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) technology and neuroimaging are increasingly coupled in basic and applied science. This synergy has enabled individualized tES therapy and facilitated causal inferences in functional neuroimaging. However, traditional tES paradigms have been stymied by relatively small changes in neural activity and high inter-subject variability in cognitive effects. In this perspective, we propose a tES framework to treat these issues which is grounded in dynamical systems and control theory. The proposed paradigm involves a tight coupling of tES and neuroimaging in which M/EEG is used to parameterize generative brain models as well as control tES delivery in a hybrid closed-loop fashion. We also present a novel quantitative framework for cognitive enhancement driven by a new computational objective: shaping how the brain reacts to potential “inputs” (e.g., task contexts) rather than enforcing a fixed pattern of brain activity.
Associations between dietary copper intake, general obesity and abdominal obesity risk: A nationwide cohort study in China
Authors: Wang Weiqi , Liu Lin , Shan Ruiqi , Wang Changhong
Published: November 2022

Objective

Copper plays a crucial role in redox reactions. The aims of this research are to examine the effects of copper consumption on general obesity and abdominal obesity risk.

Methods

Overall, data of 13,282 participants were obtained from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1997–2011). A combination of individual 24-h recall and household survey was used to assess dietary intake. Time-dependent mixed effect Cox regression model treating family as a random effect were used to assess the associations between quintiles of copper intake, general obesity and abdominal obesity risk. Obesity was defined by BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2, and abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference ≥85 cm in men and ≥80 cm in women.

Results

During follow-up, 1,073 and 4,583 incident cases of general obesity and abdominal obesity occurred respectively. There were U-shaped associations of dietary copper intakes with general obesity and abdominal obesity (P for nonlinearity <0.001). In the general obesity track, compared with quintile 3 (reference category), participants in the top quintile and bottom quintile showed higher general obesity risk (HR, 2.00; 95%CI: 1.63, 2.45 for the top quintile, HR, 1.34; 95%CI: 1.08, 1.68 for the bottom quintile). In the abdominal obesity track, compared with quintile 3, the top quintile and bottom quintile were also associated with a significantly increased risk of abdominal obesity (HR, 1.68; 95%CI: 1.52, 1.87 for the top quintile, HR, 1.36; 95%CI: 1.22, 1.52 for the bottom quintile).

Conclusions

We demonstrated U-shaped associations between dietary copper, general and abdominal obesity risk in Chinese and emphasized the importance of maintaining appropriate copper intake level for the prevention of obesity.
Impacts of vitamin A deficiency on biological rhythms: Insights from the literature
Authors: Guo Xiangrong , Wang Hui , Xu Jian , Hua Hui
Published: November 2022

Vitamin A is essential for brain function, in addition to its important roles in vision, immunity, and reproduction. Previous studies have shown that retinoic acid (RA), the bioactive form of vitamin A, is involved in the regulation of various intracellular responses related to biological rhythms. RA is reported to affect the circadian rhythm by binding to RA receptors, such as receptors in the circadian feedback loops in the mammalian suprachiasmatic nucleus. However, evidence of the impacts of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) on biological rhythms is limited, and most of the related studies were conducted on animals. In this review, we described the physiological functions of biological rhythms and physiological pathways/molecular mechanisms regulating the biological rhythms. We then discussed the current understanding of the associations of VAD with biological rhythm disorders/diseases (sleep disorders, impairments in learning/memory, emotional disorders, and other immune or metabolism diseases) and summarized the currently proposed mechanisms (mainly by retinoid nuclear receptors and related proteins) for the associations. This review may help recognize the role of VAD in biological rhythm disorders and stimulate clinical or epidemiological studies to confirm the findings of related animal studies.
Longitudinal association between maternal psychological stress during pregnancy and infant neurodevelopment: The moderating effects of responsive caregiving
Authors: Shi Yuyang , Zhang Yudi , Wei Qian , Ma Xuemei , Zhang Yunhui , Shi Huijing
Published: November 2022

Background

Little is known regarding the role of responsive caregiving in the association between maternal psychological stress and child neurodevelopment. We, therefore, herein investigated the relationship between maternal psychological stress during pregnancy and children's neurodevelopment with modifications in responsive caregiving.

Methods

A total of 3,603 mother–child pairs were recruited from the Shanghai Maternal-Child Pairs Cohort, and we assessed maternal psychological stress using the Life Events Scale for Pregnant Women (LESPW) during early and late pregnancy. Early neurodevelopment of infants at 6 and 12 months of age was also evaluated using the Age and Stage Questionnaire, Third Edition (ASQ-3). The 2-month-old infant nursing-care questionnaire was designed based on the Five Elements of Parenting Care Framework released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and used to evaluate the levels of early responsive caregiving for infants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was then applied to determine the association between maternal psychological stress during pregnancy and child development.

Results

The suspected developmental delay rate of infants aged 6 and 12 months ranged between 13.3% and 24.5%. After adjusting for confounders, we noted that high maternal subjective events stress during early pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of suspected developmental delay in problem-solving domains at 12 months of age [adjusted OR (aOR) = 1.51; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09–2.20]. High general negative objective events’ stress during late pregnancy also constituted a risk factor for development in the personal–social domain at 12 months of age (aOR = 1.57; 95% CI, 1.13–2.19). Remarkably, we noted in infants with insufficient responsive caregiving that there were greater associations between the risk of general maternal negative objective events during late pregnancy and personal–social domain at 12 months of age (aOR = 2.06; 95% CI, 1.15–3.68). Similarly, there was a greater association between the risk for maternal subjective events during early pregnancy and problem-solving at 12 months of age (aOR = 1.55; 95% CI, 1.11–2.34).

Conclusions

Maternal psychological stress during pregnancy was predominantly associated with suspected developmental delay in infants at 6 and 12 months of age, and these associations were modified by early responsive caregiving.
Case Report: De novo variant in myelin regulatory factor in a Chinese child with 46,XY disorder/difference of sex development, cardiac and urogenital anomalies, and short stature
Authors: Wang Hui , Wu Dian , Wu De-Hua , Tian Hong-Juan , Li Hai-Feng , Jiang Ke-Wen , Zou Chao-Chun
Published: November 2022

The myelin regulatory factor (MYRF; MIM# 608329) gene was first identified as a critical transcription factor involved in oligodendrocyte differentiation and central nervous system myelination. With the recent development of exome sequencing, pathogenic variants of MYRF had been considered as the cause of cardiac-urogenital syndrome (CUGS), 46,XY and 46,XX disorders/differences of sex development (DSDs), and nanophthalmos. Herein, we described a 4-year-7-month-old “girl” with ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, severe pulmonary hypertension, moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation, enlarged coronary sinus, left superior vena cava, and right lung hypoplasia at birth. Later, the patient developed short stature and amblyopia. Further examination revealed a karyotype 46,XY and visible uterus, whereas the presence of gonads were not explored. Laparoscopy revealed dysplasia of testicular gonad. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed and a de novo heterozygous mutation in MYRF was identified, known as c.2817G > A/p. W939* (NM_001127392.3). Therefore, this case report presented multiple clinical manifestations with syndromic symptoms of CUGS, 46,XY DSD, and ocular symptoms. These new data expanded the phenotype of the MYRF variant and may benefit to characterize the phenotypes caused by the variants of this gene.
Case Report: An early-onset inflammatory colitis due to a variant in TNFAIP3 causing A20 haploinsufficiency
Authors: Zanatta Laura , Biscaro Francesca , Bresolin Silvia , Marzaro Maurizio , Sarcognato Samantha , Cataldo Ivana , Marzollo Antonio , Martelossi Stefano
Published: November 2022

Autoinflammatory diseases (AID) are a heterogeneous group of inherited conditions caused by abnormal activation of systems mediating innate immunity. Recent literature focuses on A20 Haploinsufficiency, an autoinflammatory disease with a phenotype resembling Behçet disease (BD). It is caused by loss-of-function mutations in TNFAIP3 gene that result in the activation of a pro-inflammatory pathway. In this case report we describe a one-year-old baby who came to our attention for hematochezia appeared at three months of age which was considered an expression of early-onset colitis. The following appearance of cutaneous inflammation Behçet-like and the positive family history concurred with the diagnosis of an autoinflammatory disease. Extended genetic tests in the patient allowed to identify a heterozygous variant in TNFAIP3 [NM_006290.4:c.460G > T, p.(Glu154Ter)], not previously described and not present in the GnomAD database. As a consequence the diagnosis A20 Haploinsufficiency was established and the appropriate management was started. The same TNFAIP3 variant was also found in her father who had suffered from recurrent oral aphthosis, vitiligo and thyroiditis since childhood. In conclusion, we described a young patient with a novel heterozygous mutation in TNFAIP3 who developed BD-like symptoms. We proposed that loss-of-function variants in TNFAIP3 may be associated with a very early-onset intestinal BD phenotype.
Treatment of olecranon fractures in childhood: A systematic review
Authors: De Maio Fernando , Gorgolini Giulio , Caterini Alessandro , Luciano Claudia , Covino Dario , Farsetti Pasquale
Published: November 2022

Background

Literature over the last 20 years provides evidence for a surgical treatment of displaced olecranon fractures in children, this is usually obtained with commonly proposed methods, although there is no general agreement about the best recommended technique.

Aim

Identifying the best surgical technique in displaced olecranon fractures in children and the role of associated fractures in the prognosis of these lesions, by analyzing the most relevant studies on this topic.

Methods

A literature search was performed in MEDLINE database and Scopus database. Articles reporting clinical outcomes of pediatric patients affected by olecranon fractures treated surgically were identified.

Results

The initial search produced 111 studies, with 8 fulfilling the eligibility criteria of our study. Selected articles (2002–2022) included 122 patients overall.

Conclusion

Displaced olecranon fractures, occurring during skeletal growth and surgically treated, generally have good results, although we are unable to recommend the best surgical treatment based on our review. In most cases, they are intra-articular fractures; thus, the overall goal is to get an anatomic reduction that in some cases cannot be obtained by percutaneous techniques. Tension band suture is the preferred device, although it is not recommended in adolescence for the high risk of fixation failure. Associated lesions may affect results.
Progress of oncolytic virotherapy for neuroblastoma
Authors: Chen Xiao-Tong , Dai Shu-Yang , Zhan Yong , Yang Ran , Chen De-Qian , Li Yi , Zhou En-Qing , Dong Rui
Published: November 2022

As a neuroendocrine tumor derived from the neural crest, neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. The prognosis in patients with low- and intermediate-risk NB is favorable while that in high-risk patients is often detrimental. However, the management of the considerably large proportion of high-risk patients remains challenging in clinical practice. Among various new approaches, oncolytic virus (OV) therapy offers great advantages in tumor treatment, especially for high-risk NB. Genetic modified OVs can target NB specifically without affecting normal tissue and avoid the widespread drug resistance issue in anticancer monotherapy. Meanwhile, its safety profile provides great potential in combination therapy with chemo-, radio-, and immunotherapy. The therapeutic efficacy of OV for NB is impressive from bench to bedside. The effectiveness and safety of OVs have been demonstrated and reported in studies on children with NB. Furthermore, clinical trials on some OVs (Celyvir, Pexa-Vec (JX-594) and Seneca Valley Virus (NTX-010)) have reported great results. This review summarizes the latest evidence in the therapeutic application of OVs in NB, including those generated in cell lines, animal models and clinical trials.
Identification of a novel pyridine derivative with inhibitory activity against ovarian cancer progression in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Si Lulu , Lai Tianjiao , Zhao Junru , Jin Yuxi , Qi Meng , Li Mingyue , Fu Hanlin , Shi Xiaojing , Ma Liying , Guo Ruixia
Published: November 2022

Ovarian cancer is the second leading cause of death of female gynecological malignant tumor patients worldwide. Although surgery and chemotherapy have achieved dramatic achievement, the mortality remains high, resulting in the demand for new specific drug discovery. Disrupting ovarian cancer growth via histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition is a strategy for cancer therapy or prevention. In this work, we synthesized a novel pyridine derivative named compound H42 and investigated its anti-cancer activity in vivo and in vitro. We found that compound H42 inhibited ovarian cancer cell proliferation with IC50 values of 0.87 μM (SKOV3) and 5.4 μM (A2780). Further studies confirmed that compound H42 induced apoptosis, intracellular ROS production, and DNA damage. Moreover, compound H42 downregulated the expression of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) with a distinct increase in the acetylation of α-tubulin and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), followed by the degradation of cyclin D1, resulting in cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. Importantly, ectopic expression of HDAC6 induced deacetylation of HSP90 and α-tubulin, while HDAC6 knockdown upregulated the acetylation of HSP90 and α-tubulin. However, in the nude xenograft mouse study, compound H42 treatment can inhibit ovarian cancer growth without obvious toxicity. These findings indicated that compound H42 inhibited ovarian cancer cell proliferation through inducing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase via regulating HDAC6-mediated acetylation, suggesting compound H42 could serve as a lead compound for further development of ovarian cancer therapeutic agents.
Review and prospects of metamaterials used to control elastic waves and vibrations
Authors: Dai Huajie , Zhang Xueting , Zheng Yongju , Pei Wanrong , Zhou Rougang , Liu Rong , Gong Youping
Published: November 2022

Acoustic metamaterials, artificial composite structures with exotic material properties used to control elastic waves, have become a new frontier in physics, materials science, engineering and chemistry. In this paper, the research progress and development prospect of acoustic metamaterials are reviewed. Related studies on passive acoustic metamaterials and active acoustic metamaterials are introduced and compared. Additionally, we discuss approaches to material structure design, including topology optimization approaches, as well as bio-inspired and fractal geometry-based approaches to structure design. Finally, we summarize and look forward to the prospects and directions of acoustic metamaterial research. With the development of additive manufacturing technology, the research potential of acoustic metamaterials is huge.
Dual-targeted repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation modulates brain functional network connectivity to improve cognition in mild cognitive impairment patients
Authors: Zhang Xinqi , Ren Huixia , Pei Zian , Lian Chongyuan , Su XiaoLin , Lan Xiaoyong , Chen Chanjuan , Lei YuHua , Li Baima , Guo Yi
Published: November 2022

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition between normal aging and dementia; nearly 10–15% of MCI patients develop dementia annually. There are no effective interventions for MCI progression. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has attempted to improve the overall cognitive function of MCI patients. However, it does not affect episodic memory improvement.

Methods: In this study, we engaged 15 clinically diagnosed MCI patients and normal controls to explore the effect of dual-targeted rTMS on progressing cognitive function, particularly episodic memory in MCI patients. Resting-state EEG recordings and neuropsychological assessments were conducted before and after the intervention. EEG features were extracted using an adaptive algorithm to calculate functional connectivity alterations in relevant brain regions and the mechanisms of altered brain functional networks in response to dual-target rTMS.

Results: The study revealed that the functional brain connectivity between the right posterior cingulate gyrus (PCC) and the right dorsal caudate nucleus (DC) was significantly reduced in MCI patients compared to normal controls (p < 0.001). Dual-target rTMS increased the strength of the reduced functional connectivity (p < 0.001), which was related to cognitive enhancement (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study provides a new stimulation protocol for rTMS intervention. Improving the functional connectivity of the right PCC to the right DC is a possible mechanism by which rTMS improves overall cognitive and memory function in MCI patients.
High temperature boosts resistant starch content by altering starch structure and lipid content in rice ssIIIa mutants
Authors: Zhou Yufeng , Cheng Zhenfeng , Jiang Shuo , Cen Jinxi , Wu Dianxing , Shu Xiaoli
Published: November 2022

High temperature (HT) during grain filling had adverse influences on starch synthesis. In this study, the influences of HT on resistant starch (RS) formation in rice were investigated. Most genes in ssIIIa mutants especially in RS4 were upregulated under Normal Temperature (NT) while downregulated under HT when compared with those of wild parent R7954. ssIIIa mutants had higher RS content, more lipid accumulation, higher proportion of short chains of DP 9–15, and less long chains of DP ≥37. ssIIIa mutation exacerbated the influences of HT on starch metabolite and caused larger declines in the expression of BEI, BEIIa, BEIIb, and SSIVb when exposed to HT. HT reduced the contents of total starch and apparent amylose significantly in wild type but not in mutants. Meanwhile, lipids were enriched in all varieties, but the amounts of starch–lipid complexes and the RS content were only heightened in mutants under HT. HT led to greatest declines in the amount of DP 9–15 and increases in the proportion of fb3 (DP ≥37); the declines and increases were all larger in mutants, which resulted in varied starch crystallinity. The increased long-chain amylopectin and lipids may be the major contributor for the elevated RS content in mutants under HT through forming more starch–lipid complexes (RSV).
QTL mapping reveals candidate genes for main agronomic traits in Luffa based on a high-resolution genetic map
Authors: Liu Lili , Gan Yaqin , Luo Jianning , Li Junxing , Zheng Xiaoming , Gong Hao , Liu Xiaoxi , Deng Liting , Zhao Gangjun , Wu Haibin
Published: November 2022

Luffa is an important medicinal and edible vegetable crop of Cucurbitaceae. Strong heterosis effects and strikingly complementary characteristics were found between the two domesticated Luffa cultivars, Luffa acutangula and Luffa cylindrica. To explore the genetic basis underlying their important agronomic traits, we constructed the first interspecific high-density genetic linkage map using a BC1 population of 110 lines derived from a cross between S1174 (Luffa acutangula) and P93075 (Luffa cylindrica). The map spanned a total of 2246.74 cM with an average distance of 0.48 cM between adjacent markers. Thereafter, a large-scale field-based quantitative trait loci (QTLs) mapping was conducted for 25 important agronomic traits and 40 significant genetic loci distributed across 11 chromosomes were detected. Notably, a vital QTL (qID2) located on chromosome 9 with a minimum distance of 23 kb was identified to be responsible for the internode diameter and explained 11% of the phenotypic variation. Lac09g006860 (LacCRWN3), encoding a nuclear lamina protein involved in the control of nuclear morphology, was the only gene harbored in qID2. Sequence alignment showed completely different promoter sequences between the two parental alleles of LacCRWN3 except for some nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in exons, and the expression level in thick-stem P93075 was distinctively higher than that in thin-stem S1174. According to the natural variation analysis of a population of 183 inbred lines, two main haplotypes were found for LacCRWN3: the P93075-like and S1174-like, with the former haplotype lines exhibiting significantly thicker internode diameters than those of the latter haplotype lines. It showed that LacCRWN3, as the only CRWN3 gene in Cucurbitaceae, was the most likely candidate gene regulating the internode diameter of Luffa. Our findings will be beneficial for deciphering the molecular mechanism of key phenotypic traits and promoting maker-assisted breeding in Luffa.
Altering the balance between AOX1A and NDB2 expression affects a common set of transcripts in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sweetman Crystal , Waterman Christopher D. , Wong Darren C.J. , Day David A. , Jenkins Colin L.D. , Soole Kathleen L.
Published: November 2022

Stress-responsive components of the mitochondrial alternative electron transport pathway have the capacity to improve tolerance of plants to abiotic stress, particularly the alternative oxidase AOX1A but also external NAD(P)H dehydrogenases such as NDB2, in Arabidopsis. NDB2 and AOX1A can cooperate to entirely circumvent the classical electron transport chain in Arabidopsis mitochondria. Overexpression of AOX1A or NDB2 alone can have slightly negative impacts on plant growth under optimal conditions, while simultaneous overexpression of NDB2 and AOX1A can reverse these phenotypic effects. We have taken a global transcriptomic approach to better understand the molecular shifts that occur due to overexpression of AOX1A alone and with concomitant overexpression of NDB2. Of the transcripts that were significantly up- or down- regulated in the AOX1A overexpression line compared to wild type (410 and 408, respectively), the majority (372 and 337, respectively) reverted to wild type levels in the dual overexpression line. Several mechanisms for the AOX1A overexpression phenotype are proposed based on the functional classification of these 709 genes, which can be used to guide future experiments. Only 28 genes were uniquely up- or down-regulated when NDB2 was overexpressed in the AOX1A overexpression line. On the other hand, many unique genes were deregulated in the NDB2 knockout line. Furthermore, several changes in transcript abundance seen in the NDB2 knockout line were consistent with changes in the AOX1A overexpression line. The results suggest that an imbalance in AOX1A:NDB2 protein levels caused by under- or over-expression of either component, triggers a common set of transcriptional responses that may be important in mitochondrial redox regulation. The most significant changes were transcripts associated with photosynthesis, secondary metabolism and oxidative stress responses.
The relations between Czech undergraduates’ motivation and emotion in self-regulated learning, learning engagement, and academic success in blended course designs: Consistency between theory-driven and data-driven approaches
Authors: Han Feifei , Vaculíková Jitka , Juklová Kateřina
Published: November 2022

Combining theory-driven and data-driven approaches, this study used both self-reported and observational measures to examine: (1) the joint contributions of students’ self-reported undergraduates’ motivation and emotion in their self-regulated learning, their observed online learning interactions, and their academic success in blended course designs; and (2) the extent to which the self-reported and observational measures were consistent with each other. The participants in the study were 54 social sciences undergraduates in the Czech Republic. The participants’ self-reported self-efficacy, intrinsic goals, and anxiety were assessed using a Czech version of three scales from the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire. Their online engagement was represented by students’ observed frequency of interactions with the six online learning activities recorded in the learning management system. The results of a hierarchical regression analysis showed that the self-reported and observational measures together could explain 71% of variance in academic success, significantly improving explanatory power over using self-reported measures alone. Departing from the theory-driven approach, students were clustered as better and poorer self-regulated learners by their self-reports, and one-way ANOVAs showed that better self-regulated learners had significantly more frequent online interactions with four out of six online learning activities and better final exam results. Departing from the data-driven approach, students were clustered as higher and lower online-engaged learners by the observed frequency of their interaction with online learning activities. One-way ANOVAs showed that higher online-engaged learners also reported having higher self-efficacy and lower anxiety. Furthermore, the strong association between the students’ profiles in both self-reported measures and observational measures in cross-tabulation analyses showed that the majority of better self-regulated learners by self-reporting also had higher online engagement by observation, whereas the majority of poorer self-regulated learners by self-reporting were lower online-engaged learners, demonstrating consistency between theory-driven and data-driven approaches.
Executive functions and mathematical competence in Chinese preschool children: A meta-analysis and review
Authors: Zhong Zhiyong , Xu Yongqi , Jin Ruining , Ye Chen , Zhang Mengmeng , Zhang Hao
Published: November 2022

Numerous studies have been conducted on the correlation between preschool children’s executive functions and mathematical competence, the findings of those studies are inconsistent. This study used meta-analysis to investigate the correlation between executive functions and mathematical competence of preschool children in China, and then explored the moderating effects of age, gender, and instruments. The researchers conducted an extensive search of CNKI, Web of Science, Google Scholar and used screening criteria to identify 22 studies of Chinese preschoolers aged 3–7 years from 2007 to 2021. The findings indicated that there was a positive correlation between Chinese preschool children’s executive functions and mathematical competence (r = 0496), of which the effect size between mathematical competence and inhibition control was 0.347, and the effect size for working memory was 0.432, with an effect size of 0.370 for cognitive flexibility. Furthermore, Moderation analysis suggests that the preschoolers’ age, gender, and instruments affected the association between the executive functions and mathematical competence. The implications of these findings for theory and practice deserve further discussion.
Learning physics online or face-to-face: A case study of STEM and non-STEM students
Authors: Al-Zohbi Gaydaa , Pilotti Maura A. E. , Abdelsalam Hanadi , Elmoussa Omar
Published: November 2022

The academic performance of young women is particularly relevant to the success of societies that have only recently begun to address gender inequalities in education and the workforce. The present research examined the performance in a physics course of STEM and non-STEM female freshmen from such a society. It aimed to determine whether the change to online instruction, forced by the pandemic on students who had been accustomed to the face-to-face mode, affected their performance. In the study, performance on lab assignments and tests distributed across the semester (formative assessment measures) differed. Namely, STEM students performed better than non-STEM students on lab assignments and better online than face-to-face on tests. Non-STEM students’ performance on both lab assignments and tests remained insensitive to the mode of instruction. Performance on the final test and course grades, both of which were treated as summative assessment measures, replicated the pattern of effects exhibited by tests distributed across the entire semester. For all students, prior math proficiency made a limited contribution to performance. The findings of this study suggest that young women, who during the pandemic were brought back to the constraints of the home, were resilient in the face of change. According to physics instructors and students, by distributing study efforts more continuously in the online mode and taking advantage of recorded class meetings, they managed to promote performance (as per STEM students) or preserve it (as per non-STEM students).
Effects of Multimedia Audio and Video Integrated Orientation Training on Employees’ Organizational Identification and Self-Efficacy Promotion
Authors: Huang Ling-Chuan , Hung Chao-Yang
Published: November 2022

This study investigates the instructional effectiveness of multimedia audio and video integrated pre-service education. In addition, the effects of pre-service education on organizational identification and self-efficacy promotion are discussed. The participants of the study consist of 264 supervisors and employees in the high-tech industry. The results revealed statistically significant positive effects of pre-service education on employees’ organizational identification and self-efficacy. The effect of employees’ organizational identification on self-efficacy promotion was also significantly positive.