bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth, biofiltration and photosynthetic performance of Ulva spp. cultivated in fishpond effluents: An outdoor study
Authors: Massocato Thaís Fávero , Robles-Carnero Víctor , Moreira Bruna Rodrigues , Castro-Varela Pablo , Pinheiro-Silva Lorena , Oliveira Willian da Silva , Vega Julia , Avilés Antonio , Bonomi-Barufi José , Rörig Leonardo Rubi , Figueroa Félix L.
Published: September 2022

Anthropogenic impacts on water resources, especially by ​​nutrient discharge, is a worldwide problem in marine coastal areas. In this context, seaweed cultivation in aquaculture wastewater can be considered as an alternative for effluent mitigation, where the biomass becomes a source of valuable compounds. The current study examined the potential use of the seaweeds Ulva pseudorotundata and Ulva rigida to remove nutrients to treat effluents from the culture of Chelon labrosus. Two experiments were conducted under pilot-scale conditions to evaluate the nutrient uptake, photosynthetic activity, and biomass production of the seaweed species cultivated under 50 and 100% effluent concentrations. Photosynthetic parameters were determined by in vivo chlorophyll a fluorescence associated to photosystem II 3 times a day to estimate photosynthetic performance and seaweed physiology throughout the experiment: optimal quantum yield (Fv/Fm), in situ and ex situ electron transport rate (ETR), photosynthetic efficiency (αETR), saturation irradiance (Ek), and the maximum non-photochemical quenching (NPQmax). To evaluate seaweed metabolism and biomass compounds, elemental and biochemical composition were analyzed in the beginning and end of each experiment. Results regarding the nutrient source showed that both species removed more than 65% of ammonium after 3 hours of experimentation. At the end of the experiments, up to 94.8% of the initial ammonium was sequestered from the effluent. Additionally, after 5 days of cultivation under 50% fish effluent both Ulva species were able to remove more than 85% of the nitrate. Although a decrease in uptake efficiency was observed in cultures with 100% fish effluent, at the end of the experiment more than 440 µmol L-1 of nitrate was removed, considering all treatment conditions. The biomass values showed that growth rates of seaweed cultivated in 100% effluent were higher than those obtained in 50% effluent. Moreover, when cultivated in the 100% effluent concentration, a significant increment in protein content was detected in both Ulva species. Our results contribute to the understanding of biofiltration and photosynthetic performance of two different Ulva species in order to improve growth optimization, enhancement of biofiltration capacity and also to boost management practices of seaweed cultivation in aquaculture effluent treatment systems.
Responses of tidal duration asymmetry to morphological changes in Lingding Bay of the Pearl River Estuary
Authors: Yang Qingshu , Hu Shuai , Fu Linxi , Zhang Ping , Chu Nanyang , Liu Feng , Cai Huayang
Published: September 2022

Tidal asymmetry is one of the main factors for generating net transport for waterborne materials in tidal estuaries, and thus, this phenomenon has significant influences on controlling morphological development and the ecological environment. Tidal propagation is sensitive to changes in the coastline and geometry of estuarine regions. Moreover, tidal waveforms vary with various factors, such as coastline changes and bathymetry evolution due to local anthropogenic activities. The topography of Lingding Bay (LDB) of the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) has greatly changed since the 1960s because of human interventions, but the response of tidal duration asymmetry (TDA) to morphological changes is still poorly understood. Utilizing the two-dimensional Delft-3D flexible mesh numerical model, the spatial pattern of TDA and its primary contributors in LDB of the PRE were reproduced for 1964, 1989, and 2016, accounting for the changes in both shoreline and bathymetry owing to human interventions. The results reveal that as the tidal wave propagates upstream, the tidal skewness increases from negative values to positive values longitudinally, indicating the transition from a shorter ebb-duration state to a shorter flood-duration state. Additionally, a prominent shift in TDA and its primary contributors takes place approximately in the period of 1989. In 1964-1989, the tidal skewness increased by at least 0.1 throughout the LDB, indicating that the flood duration of the entire bay was shortened significantly. However, in 1989-2016, the tidal skewness decreased by at most 0.15 throughout the LDB, representing a longer flood duration in the entire LDB. The scenario simulations reveal that reclamation-induced shoreline changes control the increase in TDA and its primary contributors by enhancing width convergence of estuary in the period of 1964-1989. Conversely, the increase in water depth plays a vital role in the decrease of TDA in the period of 1989-2016. The results obtained from this study are particularly useful for understanding the controlled factors contributing to net sediment transport and the associated long-term morphological evolution in estuaries heavily impacted by human interventions.
A cold-water fish striving in a warming ocean: Insights from whole-genome sequencing of the Greenland halibut in the Northwest Atlantic
Authors: Ferchaud A-L. , Normandeau E. , Babin C. , Præbel K. , Hedeholm Rasmus , Audet C. , Morgan J. , Treble M. , Walkusz W. , Sirois P. , Bernatchez L.
Published: September 2022

Characterizing the extent of genetic differentiation among individuals and its distribution across the genome is increasingly important to inform both conservation and management of exploited species. The Greenland Halibut is one of the main demersal fish species to be commercially exploited in Eastern Canada, and accurate information on geographic population structure and local adaptation is required to ensure the long-term presence of this species. We generated high-quality whole-genome sequencing data for 1,297 Greenland Halibut sampled across 32 locations throughout the Northwest Atlantic (from Arctic Canadian and Greenlandic coasts to the Gulf of St Lawrence). Population genetic structure was analyzed, revealing an absence of population differentiation between Canada and west Greenland but significant genetic differentiation between the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the remainder of the Northwest Atlantic. Except for Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Greenland Halibut thus appear to be panmictic throughout the Northwest Atlantic. Environmental Association Analyses revealed that the environment explained up to 51 % might be replaced by 51% of the differentiation observed between the two stocks, with both ocean-bottom and surface variables (e.g., temperature and oxygen) involved in the observed genomic differentiation. Altogether, these results indicate that phenotypic differences previously observed between the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the Northwest Atlantic likely resulted from functional adaptive divergence to their respective environmental conditions. Using coalescent simulations, we also assessed how high levels of migration between the two stocks would allow Greenland Halibut to potentially escape unfavorable environmental conditions in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. In addition to supporting the management of this important exploited species, this work highlights the utility of using comprehensive genomic datasets to characterize the effects of climate change across a wider range of species.
A review on tool wear issues in drilling CFRP laminates
Authors: Xu Jinyang
Published: September 2022

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates are featured by superior mechanical properties and excellent structural functions, which have been a promising alternative to conventional alloys and steels in diverse industrial fields. Mechanical drilling is a compulsory operation to shape fibrous composites to desired workpiece quality and target dimensional accuracy. Progressive tool wear is an extremely crucial issue when drilling CFRPs as it may result in undesired machining consequences such as increased force generation, elevated temperatures, and deteriorated surface quality. Despite great endeavors already made to address the wear issues, a complete review of the wear phenomena for CFRP drilling is still significantly lacking. The present paper aims to report the key research advances in tool wear aspects when drilling CFRPs. The wear phenomena, wear modes, and tool failure mechanisms are carefully reviewed. The effects of wear progression on various drilling outputs of CFRP laminates, such as drilling forces, cutting temperatures, and surface quality attributes, are discussed. A particular focus is placed on the quantification and assessment of tool wear during drilling CFRPs. Some research prospects for both academia and industry are outlined. The paper intends to offer a comprehensive understanding of wear mechanisms controlling the drilling of CFRP laminates.
Electrical impedance tomography to aid in the identification of hypoxemia etiology: Massive atelectasis or pneumothorax? A case report
Authors: Zhou Runshi , He Chaokai , Chi Yi , Yuan Siyi , Tang Bo , Li Zunzhu , Li Qi , He Huaiwu , Long Yun
Published: September 2022

Background

Bedside ultrasound is often used to determine the etiology of hypoxaemia, but not always with definitive results. This case reports the application of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) and saline injection to determine the etiology of hypoxaemia in a complex case that could not be identified by bedside ultrasound. The determination of the etiology of hypoxaemia by EIT and saline injection, regional ventilation and perfusion information can be used as a new clinical diagnostic method.

Case presentation

A post-cardiac surgery patient under prolonged mechanical ventilation for lung emphysema developed sudden hypoxemia in the intensive care unit (ICU). A line pattern and lung sliding sign abolishment were found in the left lung, but there was no evidence of a lung point sign on bedside ultrasound. Hence, the initial diagnosis was considered to be a massive pneumothorax. To further define the etiology, EIT and saline bolus were used to assess regional ventilation and perfusion. A massive ventilation defect was found in the left lung, in which regional perfusion was maintained, resulting in an intrapulmonary shunt in the left lung. Finally, the conjecture of a pneumothorax was ruled out considering the massive atelectasis. After the diagnosis was clarified, hypoxaemia was corrected by restorative ventilation of the left lung after changing the patient's posture and enhancing sputum drainage with chest physiotherapy.

Conclusions

This was the clinical case involving EIT and saline bolus to establish the differential diagnosis and guide clinical decisions for patients with acute hypoxemia. This study highlighted that combination regional ventilation, EIT perfusion, and saline bolus provided helpful information for determining the etiology of hypoxemia. The results of this study contribute to the development of emergency patient management.
Probabilistic modeling and risk characterization of the chronic aflatoxin M1 exposure of Hungarian consumers
Authors: Farkas Zsuzsa , Kerekes Kata , Ambrus Árpád , Süth Miklós , Peles Ferenc , Pusztahelyi Tünde , Pócsi István , Nagy Attila , Sipos Péter , Miklós Gabriella , Lőrincz Anna , Csorba Szilveszter , Jóźwiak Ákos Bernard
Published: September 2022

Aflatoxin contamination can appear in various points of the food chain. If animals are fed with contaminated feed, AFB1 is transformed—among others—to aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) metabolite. AFM1 is less toxic than AFB1, but it is still genotoxic and carcinogenic and it is present in raw and processed milk and all kinds of milk products. In this article, the chronic exposure estimation and risk characterization of Hungarian consumers are presented, based on the AFM1 contamination of milk and dairy products, and calculated with a probabilistic method, the two-dimensional Monte-Carlo model. The calculations were performed using the R plugin (mc2d package) integrated into the KNIME (Konstanz Information Miner) software. The simulations were performed using data from the 2018–2020 food consumption survey. The AFM1 analytical data were derived from the Hungarian monitoring survey and 1,985 milk samples were analyzed within the framework of the joint project of the University of Debrecen and the National Food Chain Safety Office of Hungary (NÉBIH). Limited AFM1 concentrations were available for processed dairy products; therefore, a database of AFM1 processing factors for sour milk products and various cheeses was produced based on the latest literature data, and consumer exposure was calculated with the milk equivalent of the consumed quantities of these products. For risk characterization, the calculation of hazard index (HI), Margin of Exposure, and the hepatocellular carcinoma incidence were used. The results indicate that the group of toddlers that consume a large amount of milk and milk products are exposed to a certain level of health risk. The mean estimated daily intake of toddlers is in the range of 0.008–0.221 ng kg−1 bw day−1; the 97.5th percentile exposure of toddlers is between 0.013 ng kg−1 bw day−1 and 0.379 ng kg−1 bw day−1, resulting in a HI above 1. According to our study, the exposure of older age groups does not pose an emergent health risk. Nevertheless, the presence of carcinogenic compounds should be kept to a minimum in the whole population.
Eight gene mutation-based polygenic hazard score as a potential predictor for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy outcome in metastatic melanoma
Authors: Zhao Liqin , Luo Ting , Jiang Jinling , Wu Junwei , Zhang Xiaowei
Published: September 2022

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies have revolutionized the treatment of metastatic cutaneous melanoma, but have only benefitted a subset of them. Gene mutations were reported to impact the ICI therapy outcomes in metastatic melanoma but have not been fully investigated. Hence, we systematically analyzed the impact of cancer-related gene mutations on the clinical outcome in metastatic melanoma patients who underwent ICI therapies.

Methods: Publicly available discovery and validation cohorts (312 patients and 110 patients respectively, all the patients received ICI therapies) were included in this study. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess the association of 468 cancer-related gene mutations with overall survival (OS) in the discovery cohort, and the polygenic hazard score (PHS) was constructed subsequently, and validated in the validation cohort. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) online tools, which are based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database, were used to analyze the impact of gene mutations on tumor-infiltrated immune cells in melanoma samples.

Results: We found eight gene mutations that were significantly associated with the overall survival (BAP1, CARD11, IGF1R, KMT2D, PTPRD, PTPRT, ROS1, and TERT, p < 0.05, mutation frequency >0.05). The PHS, which was based on these genes, was found to effectively discriminate the subset which benefited most from ICI therapies (HR = 1·54, 95%CI, 1.25–1.95; p < 0.001). After adjusting with age, sex, ICI regimes, and tumor mutation burden (TMB), we found that PHS was an independent predictor for the outcome of ICI therapies (adjusted HR = 1.84, 95%CI, 1.22–2.79; p = 0.004). The PHS was validated in the validation cohort (log-Rank p = 0.038). Further research found that CARD11 and PTPRD mutations were significantly associated with more tumor-infiltrated immune cells in melanoma samples.

Conclusion: For the first time, we have shown that PHS can independently and effectively predict the ICI therapy outcome in metastatic melanoma, which once validated by larger research, may help the decision-making process in melanoma.
Emerging therapies for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease with a focus on cAMP signaling
Authors: Zhou Xia , Torres Vicente E.
Published: September 2022

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), with an estimated genetic prevalence between 1:400 and 1:1,000 individuals, is the third most common cause of end stage kidney disease after diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Over the last 3 decades there has been great progress in understanding its pathogenesis. This allows the stratification of therapeutic targets into four levels, gene mutation and polycystin disruption, proximal mechanisms directly caused by disruption of polycystin function, downstream regulatory and signaling pathways, and non-specific pathophysiologic processes shared by many other diseases. Dysfunction of the polycystins, encoded by the PKD genes, is closely associated with disruption of calcium and upregulation of cyclic AMP and protein kinase A (PKA) signaling, affecting most downstream regulatory, signaling, and pathophysiologic pathways altered in this disease. Interventions acting on G protein coupled receptors to inhibit of 3′,5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production have been effective in preclinical trials and have led to the first approved treatment for ADPKD. However, completely blocking cAMP mediated PKA activation is not feasible and PKA activation independently from cAMP can also occur in ADPKD. Therefore, targeting the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway beyond cAMP production makes sense. Redundancy of mechanisms, numerous positive and negative feedback loops, and possibly counteracting effects may limit the effectiveness of targeting downstream pathways. Nevertheless, interventions targeting important regulatory, signaling and pathophysiologic pathways downstream from cAMP/PKA activation may provide additive or synergistic value and build on a strategy that has already had success. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the role of cAMP and PKA signaling and their multiple downstream pathways as potential targets for emergent therapies for ADPKD.
Connecting the free energy principle with quantum cognition
Authors: Gunji Yukio-Pegio , Shinohara Shuji , Basios Vasileios
Published: September 2022

It appears that the free energy minimization principle conflicts with quantum cognition since the former adheres to a restricted view based on experience while the latter allows deviations from such a restricted view. While free energy minimization, which incorporates Bayesian inference, leads to a Boolean lattice of propositions (classical logic), quantum cognition, which seems to be very dissimilar to Bayesian inference, leads to an orthomodular lattice of propositions (quantum logic). Thus, we address this challenging issue to bridge and connect the free energy minimization principle with the theory of quantum cognition. In this work, we introduce “excess Bayesian inference” and show that this excess Bayesian inference entails an underlying orthomodular lattice, while classic Bayesian inference entails a Boolean lattice. Excess Bayesian inference is implemented by extending the key idea of Bayesian inference beyond classic Bayesian inference and its variations. It is constructed by enhancing the idea of active inference and/or embodied intelligence. The appropriate lattice structure of its logic is obtained from a binary relation transformed from a distribution of the joint probabilities of data and hypotheses by employing a rough-set lattice technique in accordance with quantum cognition logic.
High-efficiency and low-energy ship recognition strategy based on spiking neural network in SAR images
Authors: Xie Hongtu , Jiang Xinqiao , Hu Xiao , Wu Zhitao , Wang Guoqian , Xie Kai
Published: September 2022

Ship recognition using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images has important applications in the military and civilian fields. Aiming at the problems of the many model parameters and high-energy losses in the traditional deep learning methods for the target recognition in the SAR images, this study has proposed a high-efficiency and low-energy ship recognition strategy based on the spiking neural network (SNN) in the SAR images. First, the visual attention mechanism is used to extract the visual saliency map from the SAR image, and then the Poisson encoder is used to encode it into a spike train, which can suppress the background noise while retaining the visual saliency feature of the SAR image. Besides, an SNN model integrating the time-series information is constructed by combining the leaked and integrated firing spiking neurons with the convolutional neural network (CNN), which can use the firing frequency of the spiking neurons to realize the ship recognition in SAR images. Finally, to solve the problem that SNN model is difficult to train, the arctangent function is used as the surrogate gradient function of the spike emission function during the backpropagation. Hence, applying this backpropagation method to the training process can optimize the SNN model. The experimental results show the following: (1) the proposed strategy can more accurately recognize the ship in the SAR image, and the F1 score can reach 98.55%, which has a better recognition performance than the other traditional deep learning methods; (2) the proposed strategy has the least amount of model parameters (only 3.11MB), which is far less than the model parameters of the other traditional deep learning methods; (3) the proposed strategy has fewer operations (only 17.97M) and can reach 1/30 time of operands of the other traditional deep learning methods, which shows the high efficiency of the proposed strategy using the spike emission signals; (4) the proposed strategy has the energy loss of 1.38 × 10−6J, which can achieve the low energy advantage of nearly three orders of the magnitude compared to the other traditional deep learning methods, indicating that the proposed strategy has a significant energy efficiency.
Mu-desynchronization, N400 and corticospinal excitability during observation of natural and anatomically unnatural finger movements
Authors: Syrov Nikolay , Bredikhin Dimitri , Yakovlev Lev , Miroshnikov Andrei , Kaplan Alexander
Published: September 2022

The action observation networks (AON) (or the mirror neuron system) are the neural underpinnings of visuomotor integration and play an important role in motor control. Besides, one of the main functions of the human mirror neuron system is recognition of observed actions and the prediction of its outcome through the comparison with the internal mental motor representation. Previous studies focused on the human mirror neurons (MNs) activation during object-oriented movements observation, therefore intransitive movements observation effects on MNs activity remains relatively little-studied. Moreover, the dependence of MNs activation on the biomechanical characteristics of observed movement and their biological plausibility remained highly underexplored. In this study we proposed that naturalness of observed intransitive movement can modulate the MNs activity. Event-related desynchronization (ERD) of sensorimotor electroencephalography (EEG) rhythms, N400 event-related potentials (ERPs) component and corticospinal excitability were investigated in twenty healthy volunteers during observation of simple non-transitive finger flexion that might be either biomechanically natural or unnatural when finger wriggled out toward the dorsal side of palm. We showed that both natural and unnatural movements caused mu/beta-desynchronization, which gradually increased during the flexion phase and returned to baseline while observation of extension. Desynchronization of the mu-rhythm was significantly higher during observation of the natural movements. At the same time, beta-rhythm was not found to be sensitive to the action naturalness. Also, observation of unnatural movements caused an increased amplitude of the N400 component registered in the centro-parietal regions. We suggest that the sensitivity of N400 to intransitive action observation with no explicit semantic context might imply the broader role of N400 sources within AON. Surprisingly, no changes in corticospinal excitability were found. This lack of excitability modulation by action observation could be related with dependence of the M1 activity on the observed movement phase.
The Newborn's Reaction to Light as the Determinant of the Brain's Activation at Human Birth
Authors: Polese Daniela , Riccio Maria Letizia , Fagioli Marcella , Mazzetta Alessandro , Fagioli Francesca , Parisi Pasquale , Fagioli Massimo
Published: September 2022

Developmental neuroscience research has not yet fully unveiled the dynamics involved in human birth. The trigger of the first breath, often assumed to be the marker of human life, has not been characterized nor has the process entailing brain modification and activation at birth been clarified yet. To date, few researchers only have investigated the impact of the extrauterine environment, with its strong stimuli, on birth. This ‘hypothesis and theory' article assumes the role of a specific stimulus activating the central nervous system (CNS) at human birth. This stimulus must have specific features though, such as novelty, efficacy, ubiquity, and immediacy. We propose light as a robust candidate for the CNS activationviathe retina. Available data on fetal and neonatal neurodevelopment, in particular with reference to retinal light-responsive pathways, will be examined together with the GABA functional switch, and the subplate disappearance, which, at an experimental level, differentiate the neonatal brain from the fetal brain. In this study, we assume how a very rapid activation of retinal photoreceptors at birth initiates a sudden brain shift from the prenatal pattern of functions to the neonatal setup. Our assumption implies the presence of a photoreceptor capable of capturing and transducing light/photon stimulus, transforming it into an effective signal for the activation of new brain functions at birth. Opsin photoreception or, more specifically, melanopsin-dependent photoreception, which is provided by intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), is considered as a valid candidate. Although what is assumed herein cannot be verified in humans based on knowledge available so far, proposing an important and novel function can trigger a broad range of diversified research in different domains, from neurophysiology to neurology and psychiatry.
Changes in dietary intake, chronotype and sleep pattern upon Ramadan among healthy adults in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A prospective study
Authors: Alzhrani Ameera , Alhussain Maha H. , BaHammam Ahmed S.
Published: September 2022

Background

Notable lifestyle changes can occur in Ramadan due to the sudden shift in eating routine with fasting during daylight hours. This study aimed to examine the changes in dietary intakes, chronotype, sleep pattern, and physical activity level before and during Ramadan in healthy adults.

Methods

This study was conducted in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia, and convenience sampling was used. To compare dietary, chronotype and sleep pattern changes before and during Ramadan, data were collected in two separate periods: the first period was 2 months before Ramadan, and the second period was during the last 3 weeks of Ramadan. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-h food recall and chronotype using Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. Daytime sleepiness and sleep duration were assessed using the Epworth sleepiness scale and a sleep diary for seven consecutive days, respectively. Anthropometric measurements were also taken across the study periods.

Results

A total of 115 adults (96 females and 19 males) were included in the study. Significant increases in daily calorie and carbohydrate intakes during Ramadan than before Ramadan were noted (calorie intake: 1,482.9 ± 536.4 kcal/day before Ramdan vs. 1,635.5 ± 635.1 kcal/day during Ramadan; carbohydrate intake: 180.8 ± 72.1 g/day before Ramadan vs. 202.6 ± 88.7 g/day during Ramadan; p < 0.05). Chronotypes and daytime sleepiness were also associated significantly with Ramadan fasting. A significant slight reduction in body weight during Ramadan was observed (66.4 ± 18.1 kg before Ramdan vs. 66.1 ± 17.8 kg before Ramadan and during Ramadan, respectively; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study indicates that Ramadan diurnal fasting was associated with greater calorie and carbohydrate intake, changes in chronotype, and daytime sleepiness. The study also suggests that Ramadan diurnal fasting model may be a promising weight loss strategy.
Soy consumption and serum uric acid levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Duan Ying , Qi Qi , Liu Zihao , Zhang Min , Liu Huaqing
Published: September 2022

Background

Soy consumption has health benefits, but the relationship between soy and uric acid remains uncertain. This meta-analysis and systematic review evaluated the effects of soy intake on plasma uric acid.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, CNKI, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies evaluating the effects of soy, soy products, soy protein, and soy isoflavones on uric acid levels. The primary outcome was serum or plasma uric acid concentration. Study quality was evaluated by the Cochrane Collaboration and SYRCLE risk-of-bias tools.

Results

A total of 17 studies were included. Qualitative analysis of three human clinical studies of acute effects revealed that soy consumption increased serum uric acid concentration; however, soy-derived products, including tofu, bean curd cake, and dried bean curd sticks, had no significant effect on serum uric acid. A meta-analysis of five long-term human studies (10 data sets) revealed that soy protein and soy isoflavones had no significant effects on uric acid levels [weighted mean difference (WMD) = –2.11; 95% confidence interval (CI): –8.78, 4.55; p = 0.53]. However, most epidemiological data revealed that soy intake is inversely associated with uric acid levels. Meta-analysis of nine animal trials (29 data sets) revealed that soy protein and soy isoflavones significantly reduced serum uric acid concentrations (vs. controls; MD = –38.02; 95% CI: –50.60, –25.44; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Soy and its products have different effects on serum uric acid. Soy products like tofu, bean curd cake, and dried bean curd sticks could be high-quality protein sources for individuals with hyperuricemia or gout. It can be beneficial to nutritionists and healthcare decision-makers reconsider their conceptions about the relationship between soy and uric acid levels according to the latest and further scientific study results.

Systematic review registration

[www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO], identifier [CRD42022331855].
The impact of body composition and fat distribution on blood pressure in young and middle-aged adults
Authors: Zhao Song , Tang Jiamin , Zhao Yifan , Xu Chong , Xu Yawei , Yu Shikai , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2022

Background

The relative contributions of each component of body composition to blood pressure (BP) remain unclear.

Objective

We aimed to comprehensively investigate the impact of body composition and fat distribution on BP and quantify their relative contributions to BP in a large cohort with young and middle-aged adults.

Methods

14,412 participants with available data on whole-body DXA measurement from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included. Multiple stepwise linear regressions of BP on components of body composition and fat distribution were built. Then, relative importance analysis was performed to quantify the contributions of each component to BP.

Results

The median age of participants was 36 years and there were 50.7% women. Linear regression with mutual adjustment showed that total fat mass, total muscle mass, and trunk fat mass significantly and positively associated with BP; however, arm and leg fat mass significantly and negatively associated with BP. In men, after further adjusted for potential covariates, SBP were significantly determined by trunk fat mass (β = 0.33, P < 0.001), leg fat mass (β = − 0.12, P < 0.001), and total muscle mass (β = 0.10, P < 0.001); and DBP were significantly determined by trunk fat mass (β = 0.52, P < 0.001), leg fat mass (β = −0.15, P < 0.001), arm fat mass (β = −0.23, P < 0.001), and total muscle mass (β = 0.06, P < 0.001). Similar results were observed in women. Relative importance analysis showed that trunk fat mass was the major contributor (38–61%) to both SBP and DBP; meanwhile, total muscle mass also made relatively great contribution (35–43%) to SBP.

Conclusion

Both fat mass and muscle mass independently associated with and substantially contributed to SBP in both men and women. After full adjustment, trunk fat mass positively associated with both SBP and DBP, and was the most dominant contributor to BP; however, leg fat mass negatively associated with both SBP and DBP.
Precision nutrition: Maintaining scientific integrity while realizing market potential
Authors: Berciano Silvia , Figueiredo Juliana , Brisbois Tristin D. , Alford Susan , Koecher Katie , Eckhouse Sara , Ciati Roberto , Kussmann Martin , Ordovas Jose M. , Stebbins Katie , Blumberg Jeffrey B.
Published: September 2022

Precision Nutrition (PN) is an approach to developing comprehensive and dynamic nutritional recommendations based on individual variables, including genetics, microbiome, metabolic profile, health status, physical activity, dietary pattern, food environment as well as socioeconomic and psychosocial characteristics. PN can help answer the question “What should I eat to be healthy?”, recognizing that what is healthful for one individual may not be the same for another, and understanding that health and responses to diet change over time. The growth of the PN market has been driven by increasing consumer interest in individualized products and services coupled with advances in technology, analytics, and omic sciences. However, important concerns are evident regarding the adequacy of scientific substantiation supporting claims for current products and services. An additional limitation to accessing PN is the current cost of diagnostic tests and wearable devices. Despite these challenges, PN holds great promise as a tool to improve healthspan and reduce healthcare costs. Accelerating advancement in PN will require: (a) investment in multidisciplinary collaborations to enable the development of user-friendly tools applying technological advances in omics, sensors, artificial intelligence, big data management, and analytics; (b) engagement of healthcare professionals and payers to support equitable and broader adoption of PN as medicine shifts toward preventive and personalized approaches; and (c) system-wide collaboration between stakeholders to advocate for continued support for evidence-based PN, develop a regulatory framework to maintain consumer trust and engagement, and allow PN to reach its full potential.
Platinum resistant recurrence and early recurrence in a multi-centre cohort of patients undergoing interval cytoreductive surgery for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Bhatt Aditi , Sinukumar Snita , Kepenekian Vahan , Kammar Praveen , Mehta Sanket , Shaikh Sakina , Gertych Witold , Bakrin Naoual , Glehen Olivier
Published: September 2022

Background

Aggressive locoregional therapies like hyperthemic intraperitoneal chemotherapy(HIPEC) and total parietal peritonectomy(TPP) have been used to delay recurrence in patients with advanced ovarian cancer undergoing interval cytoreductive surgery(CRS). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the incidence of platinum resistant recurrence (PRR) and early recurrence (ER)(recurrence within 6 months and 1 year of the last dose of platinum based therapy, respectively) in patients undergoing interval CRS. The secondary goal was to study impact of each of these therapies on PRR and ER.

Methods

One-hundred and fifty-three patients undergoing interval CRS from July 2018 to June 2020 were included. The surgical strategy was to perform a TPP in which the entire parietal peritoneum is resected irrespective of the disease extent or a selective parietal peritonectomy (SPP) in which only the peritoneum bearing visible residual disease is resected. The use of HIPEC was at the discretion of the treating oncologists.

Results

The median surgical PCI was 15 [range, 0-37]. A CC-0 resection was obtained in 119 (77.7%) and CC-1 in 29 (18.9%) patients. Eighty-one (53%) patients had a TPP and 72 (47%) had SPP. HIPEC was performed in 98(64%) patients. Bevacizumab maintenance was administered to 31(19.6%) patients. No patients received PARP inhibitors during first-line therapy. PRR was observed in 8(5.2%) patients and ER in 30(19.6%). The respective incidences of PRR and ER were 4.9% and 16% in the TPP group, 4.1% and 23.6% in the SPP group, 9% and 20% in the no-HIPEC group and 3% and 19.3% in the HIPEC groups. On multivariate analysis, CC-0(p=0.014) resection and HIPEC(p=0.030) were independent predictors of a low ER. All patients with PR and 70% with ER had peritoneal recurrence with or without extra-peritoneal sites of recurrence.

Conclusions

The incidence of PRR and ER in this cohort was low as compared to historical data. This low incidence could be attributed to the use of aggressive locoregional therapies like TPP and HIPEC. In future, studies should be conducted to confirm these findings and evaluate the potential additive benefit of TPP and HIPEC coupled together as well as their combination with maintenance therapies.
Fecal biomarkers: Non-invasive diagnosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Ding Qian , Kong Xiangxu , Zhong Weilong , Liu Wentian
Published: September 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world in terms of morbidity and mortality, which brings great health hazards and economic burdens to patients and society. A fecal examination is an effective method for clinical examination and the most commonly used method for the census. It is simple, non-invasive, and suitable for large-scale population screening. With the development of molecular biology, lots of efforts have been made to discover new fecal biomarkers for the early screening of colorectal cancer. In this review, we summarize and discuss the recent advances of fecal biomarkers for CRC screening or diagnosis, including DNA biomarkers, RNA biomarkers, protein biomarkers, gut microbes and volatile organic compounds focusing on their diagnostic evaluation for CRC, which can provide a basis for the further development of new and effective CRC fecal screening and early diagnosis techniques.
Potentially functional variants of MAP3K14 in the NF-κB signaling pathway genes predict survival of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Huang Qiongguang , Liu Yingchun , Qiu Moqin , Lin Qiuling , Wei Xueyan , Zhou Zihan , Liang Xiumei , Li Runwei , Chen Weiyi , Zhou Xianguo , Yu Hongping
Published: September 2022

Background

The NF-κB signaling pathway plays an important role in associating inflammation with tumor development and progression. However, few studies have reported that roles of genetic variants of the NF-κB signaling pathway genes in survival of patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC), especially with regards to potentially functional SNPs.

Methods

We used multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression to evaluate associations between 2,060 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 20 NF-κB signaling pathway genes and survival of 866 HBV-HCC patients, which were randomly split (1:1) into discovery and validation datasets. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis was conducted to identify associations between survival-associated SNPs and mRNA expression of corresponding genes. Furthermore, online database was used to assess mRNA expression of corresponding genes and survival. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the prediction accuracy of models integrating both clinical and genetic variables on HCC survival.

Results

A total of 6 SNPs in MAP3K14 remained significantly associated with OS of HBV-HCC patients (P<0.05, BFDP<0.8). Further eQTL analysis demonstrated that significant correlations between the rs2074292 (G>A) A allele was associated with higher mRNA expression levels of MAP3K14 (P=0.044) in normal liver tissue, which was associated with worse survival of HBV-HCC patients. In the additive model, after adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, drinking status, AFP level, cirrhosis, embolus and BCLC stage, the combined dataset showed that HBV-HCC patients carrying the rs2074292 AA and GA genotypes (HR=1.71, 95%CI= 1.29-2.27, P=0.000) (HR=1.40, 95%CI=1.10-1.77, P=0.005) have worse OS than GG genotype, respectively. The addition of risk genotypes to the prediction models increased the AUC significantly from 71.15% to 73.11% (P=0.012) and from 72.55% to 74.21% (P=0.010) for 1-year and 3-year OS, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study indicated that MAP3K14 rs2074292 A allele may be a potential predictor of HBV-HCC survival, likely regulating MAP3K14 mRNA expression.
Neurodevelopmental disorders and anti-epileptic treatment in a patient with a SATB1 mutation: A case report
Authors: Yu Ying , Li Cuiyun , Li Wei , Chen Liting , Wang Dan , Wang Jie , Wang Jian , Yao Ruen
Published: September 2022

SATB1 variants causing developmental delay with dysmorphic facies and dental anomalies have been reported in a small cohort. Most patients present epilepsy as a main clinical feature in neurodevelopmental disorders; however, its treatment is unknown. Here, we present a Chinese patient with a de novo truncating variation in SATB1 who presented with mild developmental delay. We disclose the detailed anti-epileptic pharmacological treatment that enabled a favorable outcome. Our study provides important information that may aid clinicians in the prognosis and treatment of rare neurological developmental disorders caused by gene mutations.
PBPK-PD modeling for the preclinical development and clinical translation of tau antibodies for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Bloomingdale Peter , Bumbaca-Yadav Daniela , Sugam Jonathan , Grauer Steve , Smith Brad , Antonenko Svetlana , Judo Michael , Azadi Glareh , Yee Ka Lai
Published: September 2022

Disrupted tau proteostasis and transneuronal spread is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Neurodegenerative diseases remain an unmet medical need and novel disease modifying therapeutics are paramount. Our objective was to develop a mechanistic mathematical model to enhance our understanding of tau antibody pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in animals and humans. A physiologically-based pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PBPK-PD) modeling approach was employed to support the preclinical development and clinical translation of therapeutic antibodies targeting tau for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The pharmacokinetics of a tau antibody was evaluated in rat and non-human primate microdialysis studies. Model validation for humans was performed using publicly available clinical data for gosuranemab. In-silico analyses were performed to predict tau engagement in human brain for a range of tau antibody affinities and various dosing regimens. PBPK-PD modeling enabled a quantitative understanding for the relationship between dose, affinity, and target engagement, which supported lead candidate optimization and predictions of clinically efficacious dosing regimens.
Ferroptosis induced by iron overload promotes fibrosis in ovarian endometriosis and is related to subpopulations of endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Zhang Yanqin , Liu Xinyu , Deng Mengqi , Xu Chunyu , Zhang Yubo , Wu Di , Tang Fan , Yang Ruiye , Miao Jinwei
Published: September 2022

Endometriosis (EMs) is defined as the presence of tissue somewhat resembling endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterus; the retrograded endometrium grows in the peritoneal cavity and elicits fibrosis. Ferroptosis is a recently discovered form of programmed cell death, which is iron-dependent. The induction of ferroptosis has been found to participate in fibrosis. However, the relationship between EMs fibrosis and ferroptosis remains unknown. In this study, we confirmed that the iron content in ectopic stromal tissue in ovarian EMs is significantly increased. We explored the role of iron-induced ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of ovarian EMs fibrosis for the first time. We found that ferroptosis in ectopic tissues was significantly enhanced than that in eutopic tissues. Furthermore, we performed in vivo drug screening and found that ferroptosis induced by ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) could aggravate fibrosis. To clarify the mechanism of this process, the stromal composition of human uterine endometrium and endometrial tissue was characterized. Fibroblast-specific protein-1 was used for fibroblasts, smooth muscle actin alpha for myofibroblasts, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (CD140b) for mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). The results demonstrated that the percentage of myofibroblasts was higher and the portion of MSCs was lower in ectopic endometrial stroma than those in eutopic endometrium. Moreover, the proportion of MSCs decreased significantly and the percentage of myofibroblasts increased considerably after FAC treatment in vitro. However, disruption of intracellular iron levels or ferroptosis via chelation of intracellular iron deferoxamine mesylate or ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 could reverse this process, indicating that iron-induced ferroptosis plays a vital role in ovarian EMs fibrosis. Considering that iron accumulation can feed the Fenton reaction to generate unquenchable amounts of free radicals, causing ferroptosis and tissue damage and thereby contributing to fibrosis, we validated the underlying mechanism that excess iron can facilitate fibrotic responses. Collectively, these data provide evidence that supernumerary iron is a key regulator in promoting MSCs ferroptosis and inducing ovarian EMs fibrosis.