Multi-view Graph Embedding with Hub Detection for Brain Network Analysis

Multi-view graph embedding has become a widely studied problem in the area of graph learning. Most of the existing works on multi-view graph embedding aim to find a shared common node embedding across all the views of the graph by combining the different views in a specific way. Hub detection, as another essential topic in graph mining has also drawn extensive attentions in recent years, especially in the context of brain network analysis. Both the graph embedding and hub detection relate to the node clustering structure of graphs. The multi-view graph embedding usually implies the node clustering structure of the graph based on the multiple views, while the hubs are the boundary-spanning nodes across different node clusters in the graph and thus may potentially influence the clustering structure of the graph. However, none of the existing works in multi-view graph embedding considered the hubs when learning the multi-view embeddings. In this paper, we propose to incorporate the hub detection task into the multi-view graph embedding framework so that the two tasks could benefit each other. Specifically, we propose an auto-weighted framework of Multi-view Graph Embedding with Hub Detection (MVGE-HD) for brain network analysis. The MVGE-HD framework learns a unified graph embedding across all the views while reducing the potential influence of the hubs on blurring the boundaries between node clusters in the graph, thus leading to a clear and discriminative node clustering structure for the graph. We apply MVGE-HD on two real multi-view brain network datasets (i.e., HIV and Bipolar). The experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed framework in brain network analysis for clinical investigation and application

Is exponential gravity a viable description for the whole cosmological history?

Here we analysed a particular type of $F(R)$ gravity, the so-called exponential gravity which includes an exponential function of the Ricci scalar in the action. Such term represents a correction to the usual Hilbert-Einstein action. By using Supernovae Ia, Barionic Acoustic Oscillations, Cosmic Microwave Background and $H(z)$ data, the free parameters of the model are well constrained. The results show that such corrections to General Relativity become important at cosmological scales and at late-times, providing an alternative to the dark energy problem. In addition, the fits do not determine any significant difference statistically with respect to the $\Lambda$CDM model. Finally, such model is extended to include the inflationary epoch in the same gravitational Lagrangian. As shown in the paper, the additional terms can reproduce the inflationary epoch and satisfy the constraints from Planck data.Comment: 20 pages, 6 figures, analysis extended, version published in EPJ

Biological functions of endophytic bacteria in Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Hongsen’

IntroductionEndophytes and their host plants have co-evolved for a very long time. This relationship has led to the general recognition of endophytes as a particular class of microbial resources. R. pseudoacacia ‘Hongsen’ is drought- and barren-resistant species that can be grown in both the north and south of China, efficiently addresses the ecological issues caused by China’s ‘southern eucalyptus and northern poplar. Up to date, cultured-dependent studies are available for the R. pseudoacacia nitrogen-fixing and other endophytes. Therefore, the present research studied the R. pseudoacacia ‘Hongsen,’ microbiome in detail by high-throughput sequencing and culture dependant.MethodsThis study examined microbial species and functional diversity in Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Hongsen’ using culture-dependent (isolation) and culture-independent techniques.ResultsA total of 210 isolates were isolated from R. pseudoacacia ‘Hongsen.’ These isolates were clustered into 16 groups by the In Situ PCR (IS-PCR) fingerprinting patterns. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of the representative strain of each group revealed that these groups belonged to 16 species of 8 genera, demonstrating the diversity of endophytes in R. pseudoacacia ‘Hongsen’. ’Bacillus is the most prevalent genus among all the endophytic bacteria. High-throughput sequencing of endophytic bacteria from R. pseudoacacia ‘Hongsen’ of the plant and the rhizosphere soil bacteria showed that the bacterial populations of soil near the root, leaf, and rhizosphere differed significantly. The microbial abundance decreased in the endophytes as compared to the rhizosphere. We observed a similar community structure of roots and leaves. With and without root nodules, Mesorhizobium sp. was significantly different in R. pseudoacacia ‘Hongsen’ plant.DiscussionIt was predicted that R. pseudoacacia ‘Hongsen’ plant endophytic bacteria would play a significant role in the metabolic process, such as carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, membrane transport, and energy metabolism

The Association between ATM IVS 22-77 T>C and Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It has become increasingly clear that ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated) safeguards genome stability, which is a cornerstone of cellular homeostasis, and ATM IVS 22-77 T>C affects the normal activity of ATM proteins. However, the association between the ATM IVS 22-77 T>C genetic variant and cancer risk is controversial. Therefore, we conducted a systematic meta-analysis to estimate the overall cancer risk associated with the polymorphism and to quantify any potential between-study heterogeneity. METHODS: A total of nine studies including 4,470 cases and 4,862 controls were analyzed for ATM IVS 22-77 T>C association with cancer risk in this meta-analysis. Heterogeneity among articles and their publication bias were also tested. RESULTS: Our results showed that no association reached the level of statistical significance in the overall risk. Interestingly, in the stratified analyses, we observed an inverse relationship in lung and breast cancer. CONCLUSION: Further functional research on the ATM mechanism should be performed to explain the inconsistent results in different cancer types

The TERT rs2736100 Polymorphism and Cancer Risk: A Meta-analysis Based on 25 Case-Control Studies

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The association between the <it>TERT rs2736100 </it>single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and cancer risk has been studied by many researchers, but the results remain inconclusive. To further explore this association, we performed a meta-analysis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A computerized search of PubMed and Embase database for publications on the <it>TERT rs2736100 </it>polymorphism and cancer risk was performed and the genotype data were analyzed in a meta-analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the association. Sensitivity analysis, test of heterogeneity, cumulative meta-analysis and assessment of bias were performed in our meta-analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A significant association between the <it>TERT rs2736100 </it>polymorphism and cancer susceptibility was revealed by the results of the meta-analysis of the 25 case-control studies (GG versus TT: OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.58, 1.88; GT versus TT: OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.29, 1.47; dominant model-TG + GG versus TT: OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.37, 1.58; recessive model-GG versus TT + TG: OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.31, 1.43; additive model-2GG + TG versus 2TT + TG: OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.25, 1.36). Moreover, increased cancer risk in all genetic models was found after stratification of the SNP data by cancer type, ethnicity and source of controls.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In all genetic models, the association between the <it>TERT rs2736100 </it>polymorphism and cancer risk was significant. This meta-analysis suggests that the <it>TERT rs2736100 </it>polymorphism may be a risk factor for cancer. Further functional studies between this polymorphism and cancer risk are warranted.</p

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Correction to: Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat